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New York health officials have confirmed the state's first locally acquired case of chikungunya virus, marking the first such case in the United States in over five years. The New York State Department of Health announced on Tuesday (October 14) that laboratory testing identified the virus in a resident of Nassau County on Long Island.
The individual began experiencing symptoms in August after traveling outside the region but not out of the country. While the exact source of exposure remains unknown, officials believe the person likely contracted the virus from a mosquito bite. The Aedes albopictus mosquito, known to carry chikungunya, is present in parts of the New York City metropolitan area, including Long Island. However, routine testing has not detected the virus in local mosquito pools, and there is no evidence of ongoing transmission.
Chikungunya, a mosquito-borne disease common in tropical and subtropical regions, causes symptoms such as fever, joint pain, headache, muscle pain, joint swelling, and rash. While the illness is rarely fatal, it poses a higher risk to newborns, older adults, and individuals with chronic health conditions. Most patients recover within a week, though some may experience persistent joint pain. The New York State Department of Health reassures the public that the current risk of transmission is low due to cooler fall temperatures, which reduce mosquito activity.
This year, New York has recorded three other chikungunya cases, all linked to international travel. Health officials advise residents to take precautions against mosquito bites, such as using insect repellent, wearing long clothing, and eliminating standing water around homes.