New York Confirms First Local Chikungunya Case in 6 Years

Key Takeaways

The first local U.S. case of chikungunya since 2019 has been detected in New York state

The patient contracted the virus from a mosquito bite

Experts say the risk of transmission remains low

THURSDAY, Oct. 16, 2025 (HealthDay News) — A Long Island resident has tested positive for the chikungunya virus, the first locally acquired case in the U.S. since 2019, New York state health officials announced.

The infection was detected in a Nassau County resident who began showing symptoms in August after traveling outside the region but not outside the country, the New York State Department of Health said.

Officials said the person was apparently bitten by an infected mosquito. However, no infected mosquitoes have been found in the area, and there is no evidence of ongoing spr