A fatal case of encephalitis is reported in France, caused by a variant of the Newcastle disease virus (PPMV-1), transmitted by pigeons. This is the first fatal case in France and in a non-immunocompromised individual. The virus, prevalent in birds, can be transmitted to humans, although severe forms are rare. The infectious agent was identified post-mortem through metagenomic sequencing. Research suggests that contagion occurred at a shamanism workshop through contact with bird excrement.
