For The First Time, New York Confirms 1st Locally Acquired Chikungunya Cases In 6 Years

After conducting laboratory testing at the Wadsworth Center, New York health officials confirmed US first locally acquired chikungunya case in Nassau County on Long Island since 2019.

After 6 long years, the New York State Department of Health has recently confirmed its first case of locally acquired chikungunya on Long Island. This also makes the first locally acquired case to be reported in the United States since 2019.

Chikungunya Virus Detected In Nassau County

According to health officials, laboratory testing conducted at the Wadsworth Center, confirmed the chikungunya case in Nassau County on Long Island. Dr. James McDonald, New York State Health Commissioner, told the media, "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. We urge everyone to take simple precautions to protect themselves and their families from mosquito bites."

Another official added, "An investigation suggests that the individual likely contracted the virus following a bite from an infected mosquito. While the case is classified as locally acquired based on current information, the precise source of exposure is not known."

What Is Chikungunya Virus?

Chikungunya virus is a viral disease that can spread to people through an infected mosquito bite. This viral disease was first identified in the United Republic of Tanzania in 1952 and subsequently in Africa and Asia. Although the chikungunya virus may not be transmitted from person to person, it can spread through blood transfusion, handling infected blood in the laboratory or while drawing blood from an infected patient.

Symptoms Of Chikungunya Virus

The most common symptoms of chikungunya virus include high fever and joint pain. But a person suffering from this mosquito-borne viral disease may show other signs like headache, muscle pain, joint swelling, or rash.

Who Is Most At Risk?

According to the New York State Department of Health, infants, older adults and people with certain medical conditions are at higher risk of contracting this infectious disease that has been locally acquired in the state. It states, " People at higher risk for severe disease include newborns infected around the time of birth, adults aged 65 and older, and individuals with chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes or heart disease."

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