First Human Shamonda Infection Reported in France; Investigation Continues

French health authorities announced the first documented human infection with Shamonda virus on 22 October 2026. The patient, who was severely immunocompromised and receiving care in Lyon for a serious illness, had died earlier in the month. Investigators are examining how the infection occurred and whether it caused or contributed to the death. Shamonda is an orthobunyavirus associated with infection in livestock and transmission by biting midges. A midge bite in eastern France is the leading hypothesis for this case, rather than a confirmed route of infection. French authorities said available evidence did not identify a health risk to the general population. Human, animal and environmental health specialists are continuing their investigation, while the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control is monitoring developments.