France reports first known human case of Shamonda virus; patient has died

French health authorities said on Thursday that Shamonda virus has been detected in a human for the first time. The patient, a man, died in early October. Investigations are under way to determine whether the virus contributed to his death, The Guardian reports.

Deutsche Welle and France 24 report that the man was severely immunocompromised. France 24 says authorities called the infection "an exceptional case." Authorities said there appears to be no risk to the public.

Shamonda is a livestock virus, most commonly found in cattle. Al Jazeera reports it had been considered unable to pass to humans until now.

The Guardian describes it as a bunyavirus spread by bites from infected midges. It cites the Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety, which says the virus can cause diarrhoea, lack of appetite and lower milk yield in cattle, sheep and goats. It can also cause abortions and congenital abnormalities in newborn animals.