Shamonda virus detected in a human for the first time in France: the patient has died
This is the first case of the virus being detected in a human, and according to preliminary information, the patient was infected through the bite of a small blood-sucking insect.
The Schmallenberg virus, which usually spreads among animals, has been detected in a human for the first time in France. The infected patient died. However, the country's officials stated that this is an isolated case and that the virus usually does not pose a danger to humans.
According to BBC news, the deceased patient had serious problems with the immune system. In a joint statement, the French Ministries of Health and Agriculture noted that the neurological complications observed in the patient before death may be related to the viral infection.
According to preliminary data, the patient contracted the virus through the bite of a small blood-sucking insect. The incident occurred in eastern France, in an area where the virus has spread among animals.
The Schmallenberg virus has been spreading in Africa and Asia for several decades. In Europe, it was first detected in the summer of 2026. The virus is usually transmitted among animals through small blood-sucking insects.
The French ministries announced that clinical, biological, and epidemiological investigations into this case are ongoing.
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) is also monitoring the situation. The centre is in contact with French officials and European partners, studying the potential public health implications of the situation.
