French health authorities have confirmed the first known human case of Shuni virus infection, a virus that has been increasingly affecting livestock across France and other parts of Europe.
French health authorities have confirmed the first known human infection with Shuni virus after a patient treated at a hospital in Lyon died following the infection.
According to Santé publique France, the national public health agency, authorities were informed about the case on October 7. The patient was already suffering from a neurological disease and had a severely weakened immune system. Subsequent tests of biological samples confirmed the presence of the virus.
No Evidence of Human-to-Human Transmission
Authorities have reported no evidence so far that Shuni virus can spread from one person to another. They have also found no evidence of a wider threat to the general population.
Initial investigations suggest the patient may have been bitten by an infected Culicoides midge, a tiny biting insect associated with the transmission of certain livestock viruses.
Investigators are examining the patient’s surroundings, travel history and possible contact with animals to determine how the infection occurred.
WHO Calls for Further Investigation
According to the United Nations news service, the World Health Organization (WHO) says further research is needed to understand how the virus spreads and assess its potential implications for public health.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the organization is working with French authorities to investigate the circumstances of the infection and determine any possible risks to human health.
Virus Previously Considered Unable to Infect Humans
Shuni virus belongs to the orthobunyavirus group and was first identified in Nigeria during the 1960s. Before this case, it was believed that the virus could not infect humans.
French authorities indicated that the case may have been detected because of the patient’s unusual medical condition and the detailed testing carried out at the Lyon hospital.
The discovery highlights the need for further investigation into the virus, although authorities have so far reported no evidence of human-to-human transmission or a broader public health threat.