New York health officials confirmed the first locally-acquired case of chikungunya virus in Nassau County, Long Island, marking the first such case in the U.S. since 2019 and indicating the presence of transmitting mosquitoes in the region.

While the risk to the general public remains low due to colder temperatures, authorities advise precautions such as using insect repellent, wearing protective clothing, and eliminating standing water around homes to prevent mosquito bites.

The infected individual was likely bitten by an infected mosquito, although the virus has not been detected in local mosquito pools, suggesting no ongoing local transmission.

Chikungunya outbreaks are common in tropical regions like Africa, Asia, and the Americas, with over 317,000 cases reported this year across 16 countries, mainly in Brazil, Bolivia, Argentina, and Peru.

The disease causes outbreaks primarily in these regions, with over 135 deaths worldwide in 2024, and the WHO has issued an urgent call for action amid rising cases.

Experts note that since 2000, the frequency of chikungunya outbreaks has increased, driven by climate change and urbanization, with the virus spreading to over 50 countries in the Caribbean and the Americas by 2013.

The virus's spread has led to over a million suspected cases in the Caribbean and the Americas, highlighting its expanding global reach.

Travel notices are in effect for numerous countries, including Brazil, India, and Thailand, as the virus continues to pose a threat worldwide.

There is no specific antiviral treatment or widely available vaccine for chikungunya, although two vaccines are approved in some regions mainly for travelers.

Management of the disease involves supportive care such as rest, hydration, and pain relievers, with long-term effects including chronic joint pain and fatigue.

Most infected individuals recover within a week, but some experience severe joint pain lasting months or years, and the disease poses higher risks for newborns, older adults, and those with underlying health conditions.

The emergence of chikungunya in New York highlights the growing threat of mosquito-borne diseases in the U.S., likely worsened by climate change expanding mosquito habitats, with the CDC warning of increased risks.