"MINEOLA, N.Y. (AP) - A person living in New York has tested positive for the chikungunya virus in what state health officials say is the first reported transmission of the mosquito-borne illness within the United States in six years The state Department of Health said Tuesday that the virus, which has been spreading in China and elsewhere, was identified in a person living in Nassau County on Long Island."
"Health officials say the person was likely bit by an infected mosquito, but they also say the virus has not been detected in local mosquito pools and 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. The disease cannot be spread directly from one person to another."
A locally acquired chikungunya case was identified in Nassau County, marking the first U.S. local transmission in six years. The person began experiencing symptoms in August after travel outside the region but remained within the country, and the exact route of infection is unclear. Officials consider a mosquito bite the likely source, yet local mosquito pools have not tested positive and no ongoing transmission evidence exists. The mosquito species capable of carrying chikungunya lives in parts of the New York City metropolitan area. Cooler fall temperatures make current transmission risk very low. Symptoms include fever, joint pain, headache, muscle pain, swelling and rashes; most patients recover within a week, though infants, older adults and people with chronic conditions face higher risk. New York reported three other travel-linked chikungunya cases this year.
Read at AP News
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