New York confirms 1st locally acquired case of chikungunya virus in 6 years

New York has confirmed its first locally acquired case of the chikungunya virus in six years, detected in Nassau County. The virus is typically found in tropical areas and is transmitted by the Aedes albopictus mosquito. Health officials believe the individual contracted the virus from an infected mosquito.

Symptoms include fever and joint pain, though the illness is rarely fatal, with most recovering in about a week. The state urges residents to take preventive measures against mosquito bites. Local transmission risk is currently low, according to health authorities.