First Reported Transmission of Chikungunya in New York State in Six Years

Strategic Insights -

Health officials in New York have announced the first reported transmission of chikungunya, a mosquito-borne illness, within the United States in six years. The virus was identified in a person living in Nassau County on Long Island, who began experiencing symptoms in August after traveling outside the region. The person, whose name has not been released, is believed to have contracted the virus from an infected mosquito.

Key Takeaways:

  • The first reported transmission of chikungunya in the United States in six years has occurred in a person living in Nassau County, New York.
  • The person, who has not been named, began experiencing symptoms in August after traveling outside the region.
  • Health officials believe the person was likely bitten by an infected mosquito, but there is no evidence of ongoing transmission.
  • The type of mosquito known to carry chikungunya is present in parts of the New York City metropolitan area, including suburban Long Island.
  • Chikungunya is a rare illness in the US, and since 2019, there have been no locally acquired cases.
  • New York state has had three other cases of chikungunya this year, all linked to international travel to areas where the virus is prevalent.
  • Symptoms of chikungunya include fever, joint pain, headache, muscle pain, joint swelling, and rashes.
  • The disease is rarely fatal, with most patients recovering within a week, but newborns, older adults, and people with chronic health conditions are at higher risk.

Statistics:

  • Chikungunya has not been detected in local mosquito pools in Nassau County.
  • The risk of transmission is considered "very low" due to the cooler temperatures in the fall.
  • There have been no locally acquired cases of chikungunya in the US since 2019.
  • New York state reported three other cases of chikungunya this year, all linked to international travel.
  • Chikungunya is found mostly in tropical and subtropical regions.
  • Symptoms of chikungunya include fever and joint pain, headache, muscle pain, joint swelling, and rashes.

Sources:

  • AP Newswire (no date)
  • New York State Department of Health (no date)
  • AP News (no date)