French authorities have reported the first documented human infection with Shamonda virus. The patient, who had a severely weakened immune system, died in early October. However, according to virologist Assoc. Prof. Jiří Černý from the Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences at the Czech University of Life Sciences Prague (CZU Prague), current evidence does not suggest that the virus poses a significant risk to the general public. Its potential impact on livestock, particularly cattle, is a greater concern.
Shamonda virus has been known for more than 60 years, but no human infections had previously been documented. The exceptional case reported in France has therefore attracted attention from both experts and the media. The precise role of the virus in the patient's death remains under investigation.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of human life. However, it is important to emphasise that this is an exceptional case. The French patient also had a severely compromised immune system, which may have substantially affected their ability to fight the infection,” explains Assoc. Prof. Jiří Černý, Ph.D., a virologist at the Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague.
People with severely weakened immune systems may be more vulnerable to microorganisms that do not normally cause illness in healthy individuals. Based on current knowledge, there is no reason to consider Shamonda virus a significant threat to the general public.
A greater concern for livestock
The potential consequences of Shamonda virus are more serious for livestock, particularly cattle, as well as sheep and goats. In adult cattle, infection may cause fever, diarrhoea and a substantial drop in milk production. Potential reproductive complications are also a concern. Infection in pregnant animals may be associated with abortions, foetal deaths or congenital abnormalities in offspring. The extent of these effects in the virus variants currently circulating in Europe is still being investigated.
The virus was first identified in Nigeria in 1965 and was subsequently reported in other parts of Africa and Asia. In the summer of 2026, it was detected in Europe, where it has reportedly spread to several countries, including France, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany. Cases have also been confirmed in the German federal states of Bavaria and Saxony, close to the Czech border.
The insect vectors are also found in Czechia
Shamonda virus is transmitted by biting midges of the genus Culicoides, which are also commonly found in the Czech Republic. These insects transmit other viruses of veterinary importance, including Schmallenberg virus and bluetongue virus. Neither of these infections is currently recognised as a health risk to humans.
“Viruses do not recognise borders, nor do they distinguish between the tropics and Europe. If they find suitable vectors and susceptible hosts, they can spread rapidly. The Shamonda virus case is therefore no reason to panic, but it is another reminder that protecting human and animal health are two sides of the same coin,” Černý concludes.
The emergence of Shamonda virus highlights the importance of continued surveillance of animal diseases and their vectors. Early detection of emerging infections and cooperation between experts in human, animal and environmental health are essential for prevention and the protection of livestock.
Expert comment: Assoc. Prof. Jiří Černý, Ph.D., Centre for Infectious Animal Diseases,