The Shamonda virus is making headlines after France reported the first known human case. The virus was first found in Nigeria, in cattle, in 1965, according to the World Organisation for Animal Health. It mainly infects livestock and not people. However, health authorities in France say no risk to the general population has been identified.
So, is it deadly? The French case involved a severely immunocompromised patient who was being treated in a hospital in Lyon. The patient died. Officials say brain complications were very likely linked to Shamonda. Even so, investigations are continuing, and the authorities called the case exceptional.
Shamonda virus at a glance
| What it is | A midge-borne virus in the Simbu group, like Schmallenberg virus |
| First found | In cattle in Nigeria, 1965 |
| Main victims | Cattle; also sheep, goats, horses and alpacas |
| How it spreads | Bites from Culicoides biting midges |
| Signs in animals | Fever, diarrhoea and lower milk yield; birth defects in calves |
| Human cases | One documented case, in France, in October 2026 |
| Treatment or vaccine | None |
The virus reached Europe this year. Authorities first identified it there in late July. By 20 October, cases had been reported in more than a dozen European countries, including France, Germany, Spain and Ireland, Reuters reported. Before that, it had appeared in parts of Africa and Japan.
What about Nigeria? A 2018 study of cattle and sheep from eight states found antibodies to Shamonda virus in all three vegetation zones. That shows the virus family has kept circulating here since the 1960s. Sojworldnews could not find a statement on it from the NCDC or the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development.
For now, the risk to ordinary people looks low, according to health authorities. Farmers who notice sick animals with fever or a sudden drop in milk should contact a veterinary officer. In addition, readers should avoid sharing unverified claims that the virus is spreading among people.
Sojworldnews will update this report as health and livestock authorities share more information.
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