CHIKUNGUNYA IS BACK

A significant health update is here: New York has reported its first locally acquired case of chikungunya. This is also the first locally transmitted case in the United States since 2019. The New York State Department of Health confirmed this case in Nassau County, Long Island, through laboratory testing. Health officials believe the individual contracted the virus from an infected mosquito. However, the exact source of the exposure remains unknown. Chikungunya is a disease transmitted by mosquitoes. It is most common in tropical and subtropical regions. Symptoms of chikungunya include fever, joint pain, headaches, muscle pain, joint swelling, and rashes. Fortunately, chikungunya is not spread directly from one person to another, so the risk to the general public is low. The illness is rarely fatal, and most patients recover within a week. Some individuals, however, might experience ongoing joint pain after recovery. Vulnerable populations include newborns infected around birth, elderly individuals aged 65 and older, and those with chronic conditions like diabetes or heart disease. The Aedes albopictus mosquito, known for transmitting the virus, inhabits parts of downstate New York. Local transmission can happen when an Aedes mosquito bites an infected traveler and then another person. State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald confirmed this case is the first of its kind in New York. He emphasized that, due to colder nighttime temperatures, the current risk of transmission in New York remains very low. To protect yourself and your family from mosquito bites, health officials recommend using EPA-registered insect repellents. Wear long sleeves, long pants, and socks when outside. Eliminate standing water around your home, such as in flowerpots and buckets. Its also essential to repair any holes in window and door screens. In 2025, three additional chikungunya cases were reported outside New York City, all linked to international travel to areas with active chikungunya infections. Routine testing has not detected the chikungunya virus in any New York mosquito samples so far. Stay informed and take action to keep yourself safe from mosquito-borne diseases.