French health authorities have documented the country's initial human infection involving the Shamonda virus, a pathogen usually affecting farm animals, following the death of a man in his sixties earlier this month.
Authorities in France believe a midge bite transmitted the virus to the resident in eastern France, where animal populations contracted the pathogen throughout the spring and summer months.
The Lyon resident passed away in early October, as reported by the regional publication Le Progres. The European Center for Disease Prevention and Control noted that the individual was undergoing care for a severe medical condition that increased his susceptibility to illnesses.
Representatives from the World Health Organization stated they are communicating with French officials and view the infection as a singular event without signs of a broader community risk.
The World Health Organization stated, "Based on current information and knowledge of the transmission of closely related viruses, this is an isolated human case, and it is unlikely to lead to wider spread at this time."
The World Organization for Animal Health explains that the Shamonda virus mostly targets cattle and transmits via bites from carrying midges.
Nigeria originally discovered the virus during the middle of the 1960s, while Europe documented its presence for the first time in late July after sick cattle tested positive in Germany, Switzerland, and France. Additional European nations have since documented the virus.
