New York Reports first Locally Acquired Chikungunya Case in Six Years
Mineola, NY – New York State health officials have confirmed the first locally acquired case of chikungunya virus within the state in six years. The case, identified in a Nassau County resident on Long Island, marks a potential shift in the virus’s presence within the United States.
The individual began experiencing symptoms in August after traveling within New York State, but not internationally. While the exact source of infection remains unclear, health officials believe a local mosquito bite is the likely cause. Importantly, the virus has not yet been detected in local mosquito populations, and there is currently no evidence of ongoing transmission.
Chikungunya, typically found in tropical and subtropical regions, is spread by mosquitoes. While not usually fatal, the illness presents with symptoms including fever, joint pain, headache, muscle pain, joint swelling, and rashes. Most individuals recover within a week, however, newborns, older adults, and those with underlying health conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes face a higher risk of complications.
State Health commissioner James McDonald noted 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 the New York City metropolitan area, including Long Island, but the disease is not spread person-to-person.
This case follows three other chikungunya infections reported in New York State this year, all linked to travel outside the country to areas where the virus is more common. The last locally acquired case in the U.S. and its territories was reported in 2019.
Health officials emphasize that local mosquitoes can also carry other viruses, including West Nile, Eastern Equine Encephalitis, and Jamestown Canyon viruses, highlighting the importance of continued mosquito control and personal protective measures.
