New York State health officials have confirmed the first locally acquired case of chikungunya infection ever reported in the state.

Laboratory testing at the Wadsworth Center confirmed the case in Nassau County, the Department of Health announced Tuesday, Oct. 14.

It marks the first locally acquired chikungunya case reported in New York and the first in any US state or territory since 2019.

Investigators believe the individual likely contracted the virus through the bite of an infected mosquito. While the case is considered locally acquired, the precise source of exposure has not been confirmed.

Health officials noted that the Aedes albopictus mosquito, which is capable of spreading chikungunya, is present in parts of downstate New York.

State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald sa

See Full Page