A virus normally found in livestock and spread by biting insects has now successfully jumped to people.

This week, health officials in France reported the first known human case of the Shamonda virus, which involved a man in his 60s. The person subsequently died after contracting the virus, though his already weakened health probably contributed to the death. While scientists are still trying to understand more about Shamonda and its potential threat to humans, officials say the risk to the general public is likely minimal for the time being.

A spreading virus

Shamonda virus is part of the genus Orthobunyavirus , and it’s known to infect livestock animals like cattle, sheep, and goats. The virus is typically transmitted through the bites of Culicoides midges, tiny two-winged flies that superficially resemble mosquitoes. It’s closely related to the Schmallenberg virus, which also mostly infects livestock animals.

The virus was first discovered in the country of Nigeria in 1965.…