A resident of New York has tested positive for the chikungunya virus, marking the first local transmission of the mosquito-borne illness in the United States in six years, according to state health officials. The New York State Department of Health confirmed Tuesday that the case was detected in a person from Nassau County, Long Island. The county’s health department stated that the individual began showing symptoms in August after traveling outside the region but not leaving the country. Officials have not disclosed the person’s identity or the exact source of infection.What Is Chikungunya?Chikungunya (CHIKV) is a viral disease spread to humans through the bites of infected mosquitoes, primarily Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. Infection occurs when a mosquito carrying the virus bites a person. It does not spread from one person to another through touch, saliva, or airborne particles, although transmission through blood is possible in rare cases.The illness is known for causing high fever and severe joint pain, often intense enough to affect mobility. The name “chikungunya” originates from a word meaning “that which bends up,” describing the stooped posture people often develop due to the pain. There is currently no antiviral treatment for the infection, and care mainly focuses on relieving symptoms. Most individuals recover within a week, though some experience lingering joint discomfort for weeks or months.What Are The Symptoms Of Chikungunya?Symptoms typically appear three to seven days after an infected mosquito bite, though in some cases they can develop as early as two days or as late as 12. The most common symptoms are fever and joint pain, which may be mild for some but extremely painful for others. The fever often starts suddenly, and some people mistake their symptoms for another illness or may not seek medical attention.Other signs of chikungunya include:HeadacheMuscle achesJoint swellingRashFatigueNauseaAmong these, one unique symptom stands out, severe joint pain (arthralgia) that can cause people to bend or stoop due to the intensity of the discomfort. This “stooped” posture is a classic sign of chikungunya and can sometimes resemble arthritis, often lasting longer than the initial infection.Is Chikungunya Contagious?The virus spreads only through the bite of an infected mosquito. A person with chikungunya cannot pass the virus directly to another person through saliva, touch, or respiratory droplets. The risk of transmission to another mosquito is highest during the first week of symptoms, when the virus is present in the blood.While New York has recorded three other cases of chikungunya earlier this year, all were linked to international travel. Local mosquitoes, however, are capable of carrying and spreading other viruses such as West Nile, Eastern Equine Encephalitis, and Jamestown Canyon virus.
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