New York woman contracts chikungunya virus locally for the first time
- State health officials are investigating a possible case of locally transmitted chikungunya virus in New York.
- The woman reported onset of symptoms in late August 2025 and had not traveled outside her local area.
- No local transmission cases have been reported before, and officials have stated that public risk remains very low.
In New York, state health officials are investigating a potential case of chikungunya virus, a mosquito-borne illness that is typically reported in tropical regions. The patient, a woman, reported contracting the illness at the end of August 2025 without having traveled outside the area where she lives, raising concerns about local transmission of the virus. Historically, New York has never reported locally acquired cases of this illness, which can lead to severe joint pain and other symptoms. The Department of Health has stated that the risk to the public remains very low. Chikungunya is transmitted to humans through the bites of infected mosquitoes. Most cases are prevalent in parts of South America, Asia, and Africa, although occurrences have also been documented in Europe and North America. The infection primarily affects vulnerable populations, particularly infants and elderly individuals with pre-existing health conditions. Symptoms include fever, joint pain, swelling, muscle pain, headaches, nausea, fatigue, and rash. It is generally not fatal and lacks a specific treatment, relying instead on supportive care. Following reports of the case, New York's health officials engaged in routine mosquito testing but have not detected any instances of chikungunya in the local mosquito population. The Department of Health confirmed that mosquito activity is decreasing as the season changes. They are collaborating with local health authorities to verify the test results and assure the public of their safety. Local transmission of chikungunya in New York is particularly alarming as it is the first time health officials are confronting this potentiality. Efforts to monitor and mitigate risks from mosquito-borne diseases are vital for public health, especially given the changing climates that can enable wider spread of tropical diseases. Continued vigilance and testing will be crucial as the state moves into the fall and winter months, to keep both the population and mosquito-borne illnesses under control.