France Records First Human Case of Rare Virus

The patient, who was severely immunocompromised, died in early October.

Officials call it an exceptional case and say there is no current risk to the public.

Shav mainly affects cattle and spreads through infected midges.

It has been found in sheep, goats, alpacas and horses, but until now no human infections had been recorded.

Health authorities think the patient was bitten by an infected midge in eastern France.

They were being treated in a Lyon hospital for a serious illness and developed neurological problems that are believed to be linked to the virus.

Officials said the patient's weak immune system made them more vulnerable.

The virus was long thought not to spread to people.

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control is monitoring the situation and investigating how the infection happened.

The case has also been reported to the World Health Organization.

In animals, Shav can cause fever, diarrhoea and poor milk production in dairy herds.

The first cases in Europe were found in late July, and it has since been detected in farm animals in Ireland, Germany, Italy, Spain and Jersey.