New York Reports First Locally Acquired Chikungunya Case in Six Years
LONG ISLAND, NY - New York State health officials have confirmed the first locally acquired case of chikungunya virus within the United States since 2019. The case, identified in a Nassau County resident on Long Island, marks a potential shift in the geographic reach of the mosquito-borne illness, which has been spreading in China and other regions globally.
The Nassau County resident began experiencing symptoms in August after traveling within the state, but not internationally, according to a statement released Tuesday by the county’s health department. While the exact source of infection remains unclear, health officials believe the individual was likely bitten by an infected mosquito. Importantly,the virus has not yet been detected in local mosquito pools,and there is currently no evidence of ongoing transmission.
Chikungunya virus is primarily found in tropical and subtropical regions. Symptoms typically include fever, joint pain, headache, muscle pain, joint swelling, and rash. While rarely fatal,the illness poses a greater risk to newborns,older adults,and individuals with underlying health conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes.Most patients recover within a week.
State Health commissioner James McDonald emphasized that the risk of transmission is currently “very low” due to decreasing mosquito activity with cooler fall temperatures.The mosquito species capable of carrying chikungunya is present in parts of the New York City metropolitan area, including long Island, but the virus cannot spread directly between people.
New York has recorded three other chikungunya cases this year, all linked to international travel. The U.S.and its territories have not seen a locally acquired case of the virus as 2019. Health officials continue to monitor the situation and remind residents to take precautions against mosquito bites, as local mosquitoes can also transmit other viruses like West Nile, Eastern Equine encephalitis, and Jamestown Canyon viruses.
