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France Confirms First Human Shamonda Virus Case No Risk

France has reported its first human case of Shamonda virus, a midge-borne orthobunyavirus previously known mainly in livestock, but health authorities say there is no current risk to public health. The case was confirmed by the French public health agency on Thursday, 22nd October, 2026.

According to officials, the infected individual showed mild flu-like symptoms and has since recovered without complications. Shamonda virus, first identified in ruminants, is transmitted by biting midges and is not known to spread from person to person. Authorities stressed that the detection was made possible by enhanced surveillance following unusual animal cases.

French health authorities said the case appears to be isolated and linked to occupational exposure in a rural area. Samples tested positive for Shamonda virus RNA, but no evidence of onward transmission has been found. The Ministry of Health has reassured the public that existing vector control measures and monitoring systems are sufficient.

Experts note that Shamonda virus belongs to the Simbu serogroup, which includes viruses that can cause mild disease in humans but are generally low risk. In animals, it has been associated with congenital malformations in calves, which prompted increased veterinary surveillance across parts of Europe earlier this year.

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Health officials in France say they are continuing to coordinate with veterinary services and European disease surveillance networks to track any further animal or human cases. The public has been advised to use standard protective measures against midge bites in rural areas, though no special precautions have been issued.

For Ghanaians and travellers, authorities say there is no travel restriction or health alert related to the Shamonda virus at this time. Howedey.com will provide updates if French health authorities issue further guidance.

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Author: Stella Sunu • Published on Howedey.com

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