---
title: "Human Case of Shamonda Virus Reported in Lyon"
url: https://newscentral.site/human-case-of-shamonda-virus-reported-in-lyon/
language: en
publisher: "News Central Site"
section: "Technology"
published: 2026-10-22T22:26:57.000Z
updated: 2026-10-23T05:31:43.903Z
id: 9de82e9f-4bfc-4526-b47d-3d833a113034
source: "Wired https://www.wired.com/story/what-to-about-shamonda-virus-following-the-first-reported-human-infection/"
attribution: "Link to https://newscentral.site/human-case-of-shamonda-virus-reported-in-lyon/ and name News Central Site when you quote or summarize this story."
---

# Human Case of Shamonda Virus Reported in Lyon

A human case of the Shamonda virus has been reported for the first time in Lyon, following the death of an immunosuppressed patient earlier this month.

The official statement suggests that the neurological complications experienced by the patient before their death were likely caused by the infection with the Shamonda virus.

According to preliminary evidence, the patient contracted the virus through a bite from an insect, which is known to be a primary route of transmission between animals.

The Shamonda virus is primarily transmitted to animals via bites from a tiny gnat called the biting midge, and it has been identified in various parts of Africa and Japan since its discovery in Nigeria in the 1960s.

Livestock, particularly cattle, are considered the main host of the virus, as they develop visible symptoms when infected.

When an animal is bitten by a midge carrying the Shamonda virus, the infection typically takes two to three days to incubate before causing symptoms.

Pregnant cows infected with the Shamonda virus can suffer from severe outcomes, including miscarriages or deformities in their calves. The virus's impact on cattle has been a concern for some time, and it is one of several factors that highlight the need for effective prevention measures.

Public health authorities are closely monitoring the situation, as the first reported human case was particularly concerning due to the individual's severely compromised immune system. This exceptional circumstance has prompted an alert across several European countries, which had previously considered themselves free from the virus.

The Shamonda virus has been detected in multiple countries, including Switzerland, Germany, France, Austria, Belgium, the Netherlands, Liechtenstein, Italy, and Spain. A new variant known as Shamonda-Europe was identified this summer, and two distinct forms of the virus - Shamonda Type 1 and Shamonda Type 2 - have been confirmed to be circulating in Europe.

The recent case of Shamonda virus infection reported in France marks a significant milestone in understanding this viral strain.

The patient who contracted the virus had a pre-existing serious medical condition that made them more susceptible to infections. This underlying health issue raises questions about the role of Shamonda virus in their death, as it is unclear whether the virus contributed to their demise.

Leading experts agree that drawing conclusions about the virus's ability to infect humans would be premature at this stage.

---
Source: [Wired](https://www.wired.com/story/what-to-about-shamonda-virus-following-the-first-reported-human-infection/)  
Published by News Central Site: https://newscentral.site/human-case-of-shamonda-virus-reported-in-lyon/