WHO assesses risks after death of first person from Shamond virus
In France, recorded the first case of human infection with the Chamond virus. Despite the death of the patient, the WHO calls the incident isolated and says there is no widespread threat to the population
The first ever case of human infection with the Chamond virus in France is estimated as an isolated one, the World Health Organization said on its page in the social network X.
Earlier in the city of Lyon, the first known case of human infection with the Shamond virus was recorded. He was found in an elderly man who was being treated for another serious illness.
The patient died, but the WHO described the incident as an isolated incident. The head of the French health department, Gregory Emery, said that “we are dealing with an unprecedented case”, but assured that the death of the patient is primarily due to the extremely weak immune system of the deceased.
“So far, this is an isolated case. WHO is monitoring the situation and will provide updated information as new data becomes available, the organization said in a statement.
The WHO also said it was in close contact with French authorities.
Shamond virus (SHAV) is a causative agent of an infectious disease of animals belonging to the genus Orthobunyavirus and the Simbu serogroup, to which the viruses of Schmallenberg disease and Aqabane also belong.
The virus was first identified in 1965 in cattle in Nigeria. It mainly affects farm animals: cows, sheep, goats, horses and alpacas. Infected individuals may experience fever, diarrhea and reduced milk production, as well as abnormalities in newborn calves.
It is transmitted to animals mainly through midge bites of the genus Culicoides. There is no vaccine or antiviral drug for Shamond virus.
Previously, most cases were reported in Africa and Japan. However, this summer, the virus began to be detected in Europe, first in Germany and Switzerland, and then in Austria, Belgium and France.
