Shamonda virus detected for the first time in a human; patient dies in France

The Shamonda virus, previously known only in animals, was identified in a human for the first time after a patient with a severely weakened immune system died in Lyon, France, in early October. French authorities state that transmission likely occurred via an insect bite in eastern France, where the virus was found in cattle during the summer, though they emphasize there is currently no general public health risk. Meanwhile, the Portuguese Veterinary Medical Association issued an alert on 12 October confirming the presence of the virus in cattle and sheep in Portugal following a request from the Directorate-General for Food and Veterinary (DGAV).