First human case of Shamonda virus detected in France, officials say

French authorities have reported the first known human case of Shamonda virus, in a patient who died in early October. The patient was severely immunocompromised and being treated for a serious illness in Lyon; officials said there is currently no risk to the public.

The virus mainly affects cattle and spreads through infected midges, though it has also been found in other livestock. Officials believe the patient may have been infected by a midge bite in eastern France, where animal cases were identified in spring, and are investigating how the infection occurred. Neurological complications were considered very likely linked to the virus in initial findings. Animal cases have been detected in several European countries since the first European cases in late July.