New York health officials have confirmed that a local resident has tested positive for the chikungunya virus—the first reported US transmission of the mosquito-borne illness since 2019. On October 14, the New York State Department of Health said that the virus, which has been spreading in China and elsewhere, was identified in a person living in Nassau County on Long Island.
The individual developed symptoms in August after traveling within the country but not abroad. While the exact source of infection remains unclear, officials suspect a mosquito bite. As of yet, no local mosquito pools have tested positive, and there is no evidence of ongoing transmission.
The mosquito species known to carry the virus is present in parts of the New York City metropolitan area, including Long Island. Since mosquitoes are less active during the cooler fall temperatures, the current risk of transmission is considered “very low,” according to Health Commissioner James McDonald.
Many people are unfamiliar with chikungunya, a virus typically found in tropical and subtropical regions. It causes fever, joint pain, rash, and other flu-like symptoms.
Click through to learn what causes it, how it's treated, and ways to prevent infection.