Potwierdzono pierwszy przypadek zakażenia wirusem Shamond u człowieka we Francji; pacjent zmarł

Virus Characteristics and Transmission

The Shamond virus is an orthobunyavirus that mainly affects farm animals, particularly cattle (We Francji zmarł pacjent zakażony wirusem Shamondy. Pierwszy taki przypadek – Onet) (Dotąd atakował głównie bydło. Nie żyje pacjent zakażony wirusem Shamondy – RMF24). Transmission occurs through biting flies. While the virus has been documented in various animal species, including horses, alpacas, sheep, and goats, the primary focus of its presence has been on livestock (Francja: Pierwszy przypadek wirusa Shamonda u człowieka. Pacjent zmarł – RMF24). The pathogen was initially identified in Nigeria during the mid-1960s. Its presence in Europe was confirmed towards the end of July following genomic testing of sick cattle in southern Germany. This year, the virus is spreading across several European nations.

Circumstances of the Human Infection

French health authorities reported the detection of the virus in a human being for the first time, noting that the infected individual passed away. The authorities indicated that the infection may have resulted from a bite by a virus-carrying fly (Francja: Pierwszy przypadek wirusa Shamonda u człowieka. WHO wydało komunikat – RMF24). The virus circulated among animals in the eastern part of France during the spring and summer months. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) stated that the deceased patient was being treated for a severe condition that made them more susceptible to infections.

Ongoing Investigation and Public Health Assessment

An investigation is currently underway to determine if the Shamond virus was the direct cause of death or if it contributed to the fatality, as well as to establish the precise manner of infection. The French government stated that, based on current knowledge, there is no identified health risk for the general population. The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a statement assessing the risk of further spread of the virus among people as low. The Stockholm ECDC remains in communication with French authorities and European partners to evaluate potential public health consequences.

Key Points

• The first human case of the Shamond virus has been recorded in France, resulting in the patient's death.
• The virus, an orthobunyavirus, is typically found in livestock and is transmitted by biting flies.
• Authorities are investigating the link between the virus and the patient's death, while currently assessing the risk to the wider public as low.
• The virus was first identified in Nigeria in the mid-1960s, with recent spread noted across several European countries.