First human infected with Shamonda virus, risk to population is small

French authorities state there is no health risk to the general public regarding the Shamonda virus, which primarily affects livestock. The virus, first discovered in Nigeria in the 1960s, has recently appeared in Europe, with the first human case reported in France. It is transmitted by midges and can cause various health issues in animals, including reduced milk production and neurological problems in horses. The RIVM has conducted risk assessments and ongoing research, indicating that while the risk to humans is low, it is not zero, particularly for individuals with weakened immune systems. The French case involved severe complications, aligning with previous analyses of related viruses.