6 things to know about the chikungunya virus and its transmission in the U.S.
Summary
A person in the New York City suburbs has tested positive for chikungunya, a virus usually found in South America. This is the first local case on the U.S. mainland in ten years. The virus is spread by mosquitoes and causes symptoms like fever and joint pain.Key Facts
- Chikungunya is a virus spread by mosquitoes.
- The virus often causes fever and joint pain.
- The recent case in New York is the first local U.S. mainland case in a decade.
- The patient on Long Island showed symptoms after August travel within the region.
- The virus has not been found in local mosquitoes, and it does not spread from person to person.
- Chikungunya was first identified in Tanzania in 1952.
- The word "chikungunya" comes from a Makonde language term meaning “that which bends up,” describing the severe joint pain it causes.
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