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Mosquitoes

First Locally Acquired Chikungunya Case in the US Since 2019 Confirmed in New York State

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A Long Island resident has tested positive for the chikungunya virus, the first locally acquired case in the US since 2019, according to New York state health officials. The infection was detected in a Nassau County resident who began showing symptoms in August after traveling outside the region but not outside the country. The individual was apparently bitten by an infected mosquito, although no infected mosquitoes have been found in the area.

Key Takeaways:

  • The case is the first locally acquired chikungunya infection in the US since 2019, marking a significant development in the country's battle against the mosquito-borne virus.
  • The infected individual was a Nassau County resident who began showing symptoms in August after traveling outside the region but not outside the country.
  • The person was apparently bitten by an infected mosquito, although no infected mosquitoes have been found in the area.
  • The risk to the public remains "very low" as mosquito activity decreases with cooler temperatures, according to State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald.
  • Chikungunya is a mosquito-borne virus found mainly in tropical and subtropical regions, causing fever, rash, joint swelling, and muscle pain.
  • The virus is not spread from person to person, only through the bite of an infected mosquito.
  • New York state has recorded three other cases of chikungunya this year, all linked to international travel.
  • The infected individual was reportedly bitten by an infected mosquito, highlighting the need for public awareness and prevention measures.
  • Dr. James McDonald emphasized that the risk to the public remains low, which is attributed to the decrease in mosquito activity with cooler temperatures.

Statistics:

  • The first locally acquired chikungunya case in the US since 2019 has been confirmed in New York State.
  • The infected individual showed symptoms of the virus in August after traveling outside the region.
  • The risk to the public remains "very low" due to decreasing mosquito activity with cooler temperatures.
  • Chikungunya is a mosquito-borne virus affecting people in tropical and subtropical regions.
  • The virus has been reported in three other cases in New York state this year, all linked to international travel.
  • The infected individual was apparently bitten by an infected mosquito, although no infected mosquitoes have been found in the area.

Sources:

  • The New York State Department of Health
  • State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald
  • The Associated Press, Oct. 15, 2025

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