Roger-Luc Chayer (Image : AI / Gay Globe)

A new urban legend targeting gay men is spreading rapidly. It claims that a virus called Shamonda is widespread and can be transmitted sexually, particularly among gay men.

Not only is this information false, but there has been only one documented human case in France. Here are the verified facts.

What is the Shamonda virus?

The Shamonda virus is a virus that has been known since the 1960s and is primarily found in animals, particularly cattle, sheep and goats. It is mainly transmitted by small biting insects called Culicoides, which act as vectors, carrying the virus from one infected animal to another.

In animals, it can cause fever, diarrhea and pregnancy-related complications. Until recently, it was not considered a known threat to human health.

The situation attracted attention in October 2026, following the discovery of the first documented human case in France. The patient, whose immune system was severely weakened, died. The exact circumstances of his infection have not yet been clearly established.

It is important to point out that neither sexual transmission nor human-to-human transmission has been demonstrated. There is therefore no evidence linking this virus to sexual relations between men or identifying it as a new sexually transmitted infection.

For now, Shamonda remains primarily an animal virus, and its presence in humans is still considered exceptional and poorly documented.

Why, and who benefits from spreading this false information by continually associating it with gay men?

There is something particularly troubling about the Shamonda virus story. Why is it that whenever a new disease makes the headlines, some people are so quick to associate it with gay men, even when there is no evidence to support such claims?

This association is nothing new. Since the 1980s and the beginning of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, homosexuality has too often been portrayed as synonymous with illness, danger and risky behaviour. Some people still seem determined to maintain this outdated association. There are probably several motivations behind these publications.

First, there is homophobia, which finds particularly fertile ground in health-related issues. Suggesting that a virus is sexually transmitted among gay men helps revive old prejudices and fuel fear directed at them.

Then there is the pursuit of visibility. On social media, alarming information, especially when it involves sexuality, attracts clicks, comments and shares. Some users know perfectly well that a sensational claim will spread much faster than a scientific correction.

We must also consider deliberate disinformation. Certain individuals or groups may have an interest in maintaining an atmosphere of distrust toward LGBTQ+ communities, using public health as a pretext.

However, caution is necessary: without identifying the authors of the original posts and tracing their origins, it would be irresponsible to claim who is behind this particular campaign. What is unacceptable is turning unverified medical information into an accusation against an entire community.

Gay men should not have to carry the burden of every new disease that makes the headlines. Science should establish the facts, not prejudice.

ADVERTISING

Read also

1. Sexual Health and Prevention of Sexually Transmitted Diseases among the LGBT Community

2. HIV in Quebec: Why Gay Men Are Not Responsible for the Rise in Diagnoses

3. PrEP Belly: How a False Claim Born on TikTok Is Spreading Panic

4. HPV Vaccine: Near-Complete Protection Against Several Cancers Confirmed in Europe and North America

5. HIV: New Statistics Reveal a Reality That Few People Are Aware Of

6. What Is the Perception of HIV/AIDS Among LGBTQ+ Youth in 2024?