France reports first known human case of livestock Shamonda virus

The patient was being treated for a serious illness at a hospital in Lyon and had neurological complications that officials said were "very likely linked" to the virus, France's health and agriculture ministries said. They believe the infection came from a midge bite in eastern France, where the virus had been found in animals. Its role in the death is still under investigation.

Shamonda mainly affects cattle and is spread by biting midges. WHO confirmed it was the first documented human case and said the case appears isolated and unlikely to lead to wider spread at this time.

Why it matters: The virus had only been seen in animals despite decades of circulation in Africa and Asia. This year it has been found in farm animals in several European countries, including Ireland, Germany, Italy and Spain.