By JKNewsMedia
THE FIRST documented human case of Shamonda Virus Disease (SVD) has been reported in October 2026, in France, marking a significant development in the monitoring of a virus previously identified in animals, as scientists seek to understand its potential effects on people and how it spreads.
JKNewsMedia.com reports that the patient was already seriously ill and developed additional neurological symptoms that were considered to be associated with the virus.
However, a World Health Organisation (WHO) statement note that available information does not establish how SVD affects people more broadly.
The organ said SVD belongs to the Peribunyaviridae family and the Orthobunyavirus genus within the Simbu serogroup adding it is closely related to Schmallenberg virus.
Researchers believe the virus spreads between animals through the bites of Culicoides midges, small, fly-like insects capable of carrying pathogens.
They said further studies are needed to identify the exact insect species responsible for its transmission.
Also, researchers said the virus is not known to spread directly between animals under normal circumstances. However, an infected animal can transmit it to its fetus during pregnancy.
First isolated from cattle in Nigeria in 1965, Shamonda virus has since been detected in animals across several African countries and in Japan.
Europe recorded its first detections in June 2026, when the virus was identified in cattle in southern Germany and Switzerland. Subsequent detections in western Europe included dairy cows and horses in Austria, Belgium and France.
Despite the wider geographical spread among animals, evidence of infection in humans remains extremely limited.
The single documented human case leaves significant gaps in scientific understanding of the disease, including its possible effects on people and how infection occurs.
WHO adds that no vaccine or specific treatment is currently available for Shamonda virus. Researchers still need to establish more about its transmission and its impact on human health.
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