France reports first human Shamonda virus case, says no health risk

French health authorities reported the first human detection of Shamonda virus in a severely immunocompromised patient who died earlier this month. Preliminary findings suggest the patient was infected by a midge bite in eastern France, where the virus circulated in animals during spring and summer, and that neurological complications were likely linked to the infection. The health and agriculture ministries said no risk to the general public had been identified, while investigations continue. First detected in Europe in late July, the virus has now been reported in 14 western European countries.