Chikungunya virus: New York confirms first locally acquired case in the US since 2019
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New York health officials confirmed that one person tested positive for the mosquito-borne chikungunya virus in what is the first locally acquired case in the United States since 2019.
The transmission detected in a Nassau County resident comes after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warned Americans to be on high alert for the virus following outbreaks in Cuba and China this year.
“A communicable disease investigation conducted by the Nassau County Department of Health (NCDOH) found that the individual began experiencing symptoms in August. The investigation revealed that the individual had a history of travel outside of Nassau County during the inoculation period, but did not report traveling abroad,” the Nassau County Health Department said Tuesday.
“To date no chikungunya virus has been detected in local mosquito outbreaks and the risk to the general public remains low,” he added.
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The chikungunya virus “is most commonly transmitted to people through infected Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes,” according to the Nassau County Health Department. (iStock)
The CDC said most people infected with the chikungunya virus develop some symptoms, which usually begin three to seven days after being bitten by an infected mosquito.
“The most common symptoms are fever and joint pain. Other symptoms may include headache, muscle pain, joint swelling, or rash. Most people improve within a week; however, some may have severe joint pain for months or years after an acute illness,” according to the CDC.
“People at risk for more severe illness include newborns infected at birth, older adults (65 years or older), and people with medical conditions such as diabetes or heart disease. Death from chikungunya is rare,” the CDC added. “There is no specific treatment for chikungunya.”
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A health worker sprays insecticide to prevent the spread of the chikungunya virus on August 3, 2025 in Dongguan, China. (VCG via Getty Images)
The CDC said on its website: “No cases of locally acquired chikungunya have been reported in US states or territories since 2019.”
“An investigation suggests that the individual likely contracted the virus after being bitten by an infected mosquito,” the New York State Department of Health said. “While the case is classified as locally acquired based on current information, the precise source of exposure is unknown.”
“Mosquito bites are more than just a nuisance – they can sometimes spread diseases that affect both people and animals,” said Nassau County Health Commissioner Irina Gelman. “While the 2025 mosquito season is virtually over with cooler weather in Nassau County, this case serves as a reminder to take precautions against mosquito bites during the season and when traveling to areas where mosquito-borne diseases are present.”
A staff member performs disinfection work at a hospital amid a chikungunya outbreak on July 23, 2025 in Foshan, China. (VCG via Getty Images)
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“Our Wadsworth Center has confirmed this test result, which is the first known case of locally acquired chikungunya in New York State. Given the much colder nighttime temperatures, the current risk in New York is very low,” added state Health Commissioner James McDonald.
Greg Norman is a reporter for News Digital.