Overview: What chikungunya is and why the U.S. case matters
Chikungunya is a viral disease transmitted primarily by mosquitoes. In late August, a resident of Long Island, New York, tested positive after developing symptoms consistent with the illness while having traveled outside the region. The case is notable because it marks the first locally acquired instance on the U.S. mainland in about a decade and raises questions about how the virus can spread here. Health officials emphasize that the virus is not spread directly from person to person; instead, transmission occurs when an infected person is bitten by a local mosquito, which then bites others.
What is chikungunya?
The chikungunya virus was first identified in 1952 during an outbreak in Tanzania. The name comes from a Makonde word meaning “that which bends up,” describing the joint pain often associated with the illness. The virus is spread by infected Aedes mosquitoes and typically causes fever, joint and muscle pain, fatigue, and a rash. Most people recover within one to two weeks, but in some cases, joint pain can persist for months or years. Severe disease is uncommon but can occur, especially in babies, the elderly, and people with underlying health conditions.
Symptoms in a typical bite cycle
Common symptoms include sudden fever, severe joint pain, muscle aches, headache, nausea, and rash. In the majority of cases, symptoms begin three to seven days after being bitten. While many recover without lasting effects, chronic joint pain can be debilitating for some sufferers, prompting hospital care for the most vulnerable individuals in rare cases.
When to seek care
Most patients recover with supportive care at home. Seek medical attention if you have a high fever lasting more than a few days, severe abdominal pain, confusion, chest pain, or signs of dehydration. Pregnant people, young infants, and those with chronic illnesses should contact a healthcare provider promptly if they develop possible chikungunya symptoms.
Treatment and vaccines: what’s available
There is no specific antiviral treatment for chikungunya. Medical care focuses on relieving symptoms: fever reducers and pain relief for joints and muscles, as well as fluids and rest. Two vaccines have gained approval in several regions, including Europe and the Americas, primarily targeted at travelers. These vaccines aren’t yet widely available in all endemic areas, including the U.S., where traveler exposure remains a more common scenario for infection than local transmission.
Where chikungunya occurs and how it spreads
Chikungunya outbreaks are most common in Africa, Asia, and the Americas, with periodic activity in Europe. Global case counts have risen in recent years, driven in part by climate shifts and urban expansion. The World Health Organization and other public health bodies monitor outbreaks and update guidance for travelers and clinicians alike. In 2024, travel-related infections were reported in the U.S., while Europe saw ongoing outbreaks in several countries.
What’s happening in the United States right now?
The New York case marks the first locally acquired chikungunya infection on the U.S. mainland since 2015. Officials say the virus is transmitted when an infected person is bitten by an Aedes mosquito, which then bites others. The Aedes albopictus species, known to thrive in some parts of downstate New York, can carry the virus. While nighttime temperatures in the region currently reduce the risk of local transmission, officials advise practical prevention steps to limit mosquito bites and breeding grounds.
Preventing chikungunya at home and while traveling
Practical prevention centers on reducing mosquito bites and eliminating standing water around homes. Effective measures include:
– Wearing long sleeves and pants, especially during dawn and dusk when Aedes mosquitoes are active
– Applying EPA-approved insect repellent on skin and clothing
– Installing screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out
– Eliminating standing water from flower pots, gutters, buckets, and other containers
– Being mindful of travel history, especially to regions where chikungunya is circulating
Is the risk increasing overall?
Yes. Public health experts note that outbreaks of chikungunya, dengue, and Zika have risen globally since 2000, driven by climate change and urban growth that bring people and mosquitoes into closer contact. Travelers returning from affected areas have contributed to U.S. travel-related cases, while isolated local transmissions, though rare, underscore the need for ongoing surveillance and community prevention efforts.
Public health authorities continue to monitor chikungunya activity both in the United States and worldwide and remind residents that local transmission is most likely in areas with Aedes mosquitoes present and warm, humid conditions. For anyone planning travel to regions with known chikungunya activity, preventive precautions remain essential to reduce risk.
