Nassau County Department of Health Reports One Human Case of Chikungunya Virus
Mineola, NY: The Nassau County Department of Health (NCDOH) today reported one confirmed case of Chikungunya Virus in a Nassau County resident. No Chikungunya Virus has been detected in local mosquito pools to date, and the risk to the general public continues to remain low.
A communicable disease investigation conducted by NCDOH found that the individual began experiencing symptoms in August. The investigation revealed that the individual had history of travel outside of Nassau County during the period of inoculation, but did not report traveling abroad.
During mosquito season NCDOH conducts mosquito surveillance activities weekly at dozens of trap sites throughout the County. No Chikungunya Virus has been detected in local mosquito pools this season. There is no evidence of ongoing transmission of the virus and the risk to the general public remains low.
Chikungunya is a disease caused by the bite of a mosquito infected with the Chikungunya virus. The disease is most often spread to people by infected Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. It causes fever, joint pain, headache, and muscle pain which can be severe and disabling. Previously, the only cases of this disease in the United States were of people who traveled internationally to areas where infection is prevalent. However, in recent years mosquito transmitted cases have been reported in the United States. Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are not found naturally in New York State.
Locally, mosquitoes can transmit viruses such as West Nile virus, which has been detected in Nassau County in past seasons, as well as Eastern Equine Encephalitis and Jamestown Canyon virus in New York State. These illnesses, while rare, can cause serious health complications in vulnerable populations. It is important to remember to take precautions to prevent mosquito bites during mosquito season and when traveling, especially to warm and tropical destinations, where other mosquito-borne illnesses, such as malaria and chikungunya viruses, are more common.
“Mosquito bites are more than just a nuisance, they can sometimes spread illnesses that affect both people and animals,” said Commissioner of Health Dr. Irina Gelman. “While the 2025 mosquito season is essentially over with cooler weather in Nassau County, this case serves as a reminder to take precautions against mosquito bites during the season and when traveling to areas where mosquito-borne illnesses are present.”
Prevention of mosquito bites is the most important way to reduce your risk of mosquito-borne diseases. Take the following steps to protect yourself:
- Cover your skin as completely as possible when outside if mosquitoes are present and active. Wear long sleeves, pants and socks.
- Use EPA-approved insect repellent on exposed skin and follow label directions.
- Make sure there are screens in your home's windows and doors. Make sure the screens are free of rips, tears and holes.
- Eliminate all standing water on or around your home and property where mosquitoes can breed.
- Speak to your healthcare provider before traveling to areas where mosquito-borne illnesses may be prevalent or endemic.
For additional information, visit NCDOH’s Mosquito Control and Surveillance website here.