First Human Case of Shamonda Virus Reported in France as Patient Dies

France has reported the first documented human infection with Shamonda virus, a pathogen previously detected only in animals, after an immunocompromised patient died from the infection.

In a statement on Thursday, October 22, the World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus expressed condolences to the patient's family and said the individual's weakened immune system increased their vulnerability to the infection and severe illness.

"The patient was immunocompromised, which made them more vulnerable to infection and severe disease, and unfortunately died. My heartfelt condolences to their loved ones," he wrote.

Shamonda virus primarily affects livestock and other animals, including cattle, sheep, goats and horses. 

The virus is thought to spread between animals through the bites of Culicoides midges, small fly-like insects that can transmit certain animal pathogens.

Ghebreyesus said further research was necessary to establish a clearer understanding of how the virus spreads.

"Shamonda virus primarily affects animals such as cattle, sheep, goats and horses. The virus is thought to spread between animals by the bites of a midge, which is a small fly-like insect. Further studies are needed to fully understand transmission," he added.

According to Ghebreyesus, the patient had been in an area where the virus was circulating among animals and where Culicoides midges were also present.

"The French patient was in an area where the Shamonda virus was circulating in animals and where Culicoides midges were also present," he further said.

Ghebreyesus confirmed that the organisation was in contact with French officials as investigations continued.

"WHO is in contact with French authorities who are collecting information to better understand the source of infection in the first human patient, possible routes of transmission and any potential risk to public health," he concluded.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health has announced that the first contacts of Kenya’s Ebola outbreak will be released from quarantine from Sunday, October 25.

In a statement, the ministry said the individuals who remain in good health will be reunited with their families, thanking them for their cooperation in helping contain the spread of the virus.

"Going home this weekend. From Sunday, 25th October, the first contacts to complete 21 days of monitoring and who will be in good health, will be released from quarantine and reunited with their families.

"Their sacrifice has helped keep Kenya safe, and the nation is grateful to them and to those who stood by them," the statement read.

The ministry urged communities, neighbours and employers to welcome those released from quarantine, assuring the public that individuals who have completed the monitoring period without falling ill cannot transmit the infection.

"As they return, we ask neigbours, workplaces and communities to receive them warmly. They have passed the full monitoring period without falling ill and cannot pass the infection to anybody," the statement added.

The announcement comes as Kenya's Ebola response enters its 17th day since the first imported case was confirmed on October 6, 2026. 

The ministry reported continued progress in surveillance and testing, with all 14 samples collected from various alerts across the country over the preceding 24 hours testing negative for BVD.

The ministry maintained that the total number of confirmed cases remained nine, including the index case, who died on October 5, 2026. It added that all confirmed cases belonged to a single cluster, with no evidence of community transmission.

"The total number of cases confirmed remains nine (9), including the index case, who died on 5th October, 2026. All the cases belong to a single cluster, with no evidence of community spread," the statement further read.