Shamonda Virus

Why in News?

• On 22 October 2026, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported the first documented human case of Shamonda virus infection in France.
• The patient was severely immunocompromised and later died. However, authorities have not established that the virus caused or contributed to the death.
• No human-to-human transmission or risk to the general population has been identified so far.

Prelims Pointers

1. Nature of the Virus

• Belongs to the family Peribunyaviridae and genus Orthobunyavirus.
• Part of the Simbu serogroup.
• Closely related to Schmallenberg virus.
• Primarily affects livestock rather than humans.

2. Transmission

• Primarily transmitted between animals by the bites of Culicoides biting midges.
• These are small, fly-like insects.
• Vertical transmission from an infected animal to its foetus during pregnancy has been reported.
• Human transmission routes remain under investigation.

3. Symptoms in Animals

• Fever, diarrhoea and lethargy.
• Reduced milk production in cattle.
• Reproductive problems, including abortions and foetal malformations.
• Neurological signs have also been reported in some animals, including horses.

Important Facts

• First isolated: From cattle in Nigeria in 1965.
• Geographical spread: Previously identified in parts of Africa and Asia, including Japan; detected in European livestock in 2026.
• Human infection: First documented case reported in France in October 2026.
• Treatment and vaccine: No established specific treatment or commercially available vaccine is currently available.
• Public health status: There is currently no evidence of human-to-human transmission. The virus’s ability to infect humans and its wider health implications remain uncertain.

UPSC Prelims Practice Questions

Q1. With reference to Shamonda virus, consider the following statements:

1. It belongs to the genus Orthobunyavirus.
2. It is primarily transmitted by Culicoides biting midges.
3. It primarily affects humans and spreads through human-to-human transmission.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only

Explanation: Shamonda virus belongs to the genus Orthobunyavirus and primarily affects animals. It is transmitted mainly through infected biting midges; human-to-human transmission has not been established.