Paris/IBNS, Oct. 23 -- The first reported human case of Shamonda virus has been recorded in France, the World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed on Thursday.

The virus was previously known to affect animals, primarily livestock.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the patient, reportedly in his 60s, was immunocompromised and therefore more vulnerable to infection and severe disease.

Shamonda virus primarily affects animals such as cattle, sheep, goats and horses. It is believed to spread among animals through the bites of midges, small fly-like insects.

Shamonda virus (SHAV) belongs to the Orthobunyavirus genus and the Simbu group of viruses. It was first isolated from cattle in Nigeria in 1965.

The virus is primari...