First case of locally acquired chikungunya virus confirmed in the United States since 2019

Health officials in New York have confirmed that a person has tested positive for the mosquito-borne chikungunya virus, marking 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) revealed that the individual began experiencing symptoms in August. The investigation revealed that the individual had previously traveled outside of Nassau County during the inoculation period, but did not report international travel,” the Nassau County Health Department said Tuesday.

“No Chikungunya virus has been detected in local mosquito reservoirs to date, and the risk to the general public remains low,” the statement added.

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The chikungunya virus is “most commonly transmitted to humans by infected Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes,” according to the Nassau County Department of Health. (iStock)

The CDC said most people infected with the chikungunya virus develop some symptoms, which usually begin about three to seven days after a bite from 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 get better within a week; however, some may experience severe joint pain for months or even years after an acute illness,” according to the CDC.

“People at risk for more severe illness include newborns infected at the time of birth, older adults (65 years or older), and people with medical conditions such as diabetes or heart disease. Deaths from chikungunya are 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, 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 any U.S. state or territory since 2019.”

“An investigation suggests that the individual likely contracted the virus following a bite from an infected mosquito,” the New York State Department of Health said. “Although the case is classified as locally acquired based on current information, the precise source of exposure is not known.”

“Mosquito bites are more than just a nuisance, they can sometimes spread diseases that affect both humans and animals,” Nassau County Health Commissioner Irina Gelman said. “As the 2025 mosquito season is essentially over with cooler weather in Nassau County, this case reminds us to take precautions against mosquito bites during the season and when traveling to areas where mosquito-borne illnesses are present.”

A staff member carries out 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.