First locally acquired chikungunya virus case confirmed in US since 2019
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Health officials in New York confirmed that a person tested positive for mosquito-borne chikungunya virus, the first locally acquired case in the United States since 2019.
The infection 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.
“An infectious disease investigation conducted by the Nassau County Department of Health (NCDOH) revealed that the individual began experiencing symptoms in August. The investigation revealed that the individual had travel history outside of Nassau County during the vaccination period but did not report traveling abroad,” the Nassau County Health Department said in a statement Tuesday. he said.
“To date, Chikungunya Virus has not been detected in local mosquito ponds and the risk to the general public remains low,” he added.
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Chikungunya virus is “spread to humans primarily by infected Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes,” according to the Nassau County Department of Health. (iStock)
Most people infected with chikungunya virus develop some symptoms, and these usually begin about three to seven days after being bitten by an infected mosquito, the CDC said.
According to the CDC, “The most common symptoms are fever and joint pain. Other symptoms may include headache, muscle pain, joint swelling, or rash. Most people recover within a week, but some may experience severe joint pain for months or even years following acute illness.”
“People at risk for more severe disease include newborns infected at birth, older adults (ages 65 and 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 sanitation worker sprays insecticide to prevent the spread of chikungunya virus in Dongguan, China’s Guangdong Province, on August 3, 2025. (VCG via Getty Images)
The CDC said on its website that “no locally acquired cases of chikungunya have been reported from U.S. states or territories since 2019.”
“An investigation indicates that the person likely contracted the virus following the bite of an infected mosquito,” the New York State Department of Health said. “Although the case is classified as locally acquired based on available information, the exact source of exposure is unknown.”
“Mosquito bites are more than just a nuisance, they can sometimes spread diseases that affect both humans and animals,” said Nassau County Health Commissioner Irina Gelman. “Although the 2025 mosquito season is essentially over with cooler weather in Nassau County, this case serves as a reminder to take precautions against mosquito bites throughout the season and when traveling to areas where mosquito-borne diseases are present.”
A staff member conducts disinfection work at a hospital amid a chikungunya outbreak in Foshan, China, July 23, 2025. (VCG via Getty Images)
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“Our Wadsworth Center confirmed this test result, which is the first case of locally acquired Chikungunya in New York State. Given that nighttime temperatures are much cooler, the current risk in New York is very low,” added State Health Commissioner James McDonald.
