Chikungunya Returns to the U.S.: What You Need to Know About the Mosquito-Borne Virus

For the first time in a decade, chikungunya has been detected in a U.S. resident without the need to travel abroad. A person living in suburban New York tested positive for the virus in August 2025, sparking concern among public health officials and residents alike.

Chikungunya, often seen in parts of South America, Africa, and Asia, is spread by mosquitoes and can cause fever, joint pain, and fatigue. While most cases are mild, the virus can sometimes lead to severe complications, especially in vulnerable populations.

Here’s everything you need to know about this re-emerging health concern.

What Is Chikungunya?

Chikungunya is caused by a virus of the same name and is transmitted primarily through the Aedes albopictus mosquito, which also spreads dengue and Zika viruses. The disease was first identified in Tanzania in 1952. Its name comes from the Makonde language, meaning “that which bends up,” a reference to the severe joint pain it can cause.

Key Facts About Chikungunya:

• Most patients experience mild symptoms and recover within 1–2 weeks.
• Severe cases are rare but can cause long-lasting joint pain.
• Deaths typically occur only in babies, the elderly, or people with pre-existing health conditions.

Symptoms to Watch For

Chikungunya symptoms usually appear 2–12 days after a mosquito bite. They include:

• High fever and chills
• Severe joint and muscle pain
• Rash
• Nausea and fatigue
• Headache

In rare instances, joint pain can persist for months or even years, affecting mobility and quality of life.

Tip: Anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek medical attention promptly, especially if they live in areas with known mosquito activity.

Treatment and Vaccines

Currently, there is no specific antiviral treatment for chikungunya. Doctors focus on relieving symptoms, such as:

• Taking fever-reducing medications like acetaminophen
• Using pain relievers to ease muscle and joint discomfort
• Staying hydrated and resting

Vaccines

Two vaccines have been approved in countries like Britain, Brazil, Canada, and parts of Europe, primarily targeting travelers. However, these vaccines are not widely available in regions most affected by chikungunya.

Where Chikungunya Normally Occurs

Chikungunya outbreaks are most common in:

• Africa
• Asia
• The Americas (including South and Central America)

According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, as of August 2025:

• Approximately 317,000 cases have been reported worldwide.
• 135 deaths occurred across 16 countries.
• Countries with the highest infection rates include Brazil, Bolivia, Argentina, and Peru.

While outbreaks in Europe are rare, they do occur occasionally.

Chikungunya in the United States

The New York case marks the first locally acquired instance in the U.S. since 2015. Unlike previous cases linked to international travel, this infection likely resulted from a mosquito bite from a locally infected mosquito.

• The virus is not spread directly from person to person.
• The Aedes albopictus mosquito is present in parts of downstate New York.
• Health officials say the current risk of transmission is very low due to colder nighttime temperatures.

Previously, a single case was recorded in Texas in 2015, with a few others in U.S. territories in 2019.

Why Are Outbreaks Increasing?

Chikungunya outbreaks have been on the rise since 2000, along with other mosquito-borne diseases like dengue and Zika. Experts cite several factors:

• Climate change: Warmer temperatures allow mosquitoes to thrive in previously cooler regions.
• Urban expansion: Increased human population density creates more breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
• Global travel: Infected travelers can introduce the virus to new areas.

Robert Jones, an assistant professor at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, notes that chikungunya first appeared in St. Martin in 2013, spreading to nearly 50 countries in the Caribbean and Americas within three years.

How to Protect Yourself

Even though local transmission is rare, taking precautions is essential:

• Wear long sleeves and pants to reduce mosquito bites.
• Use insect repellent containing DEET or picaridin.
• Remove standing water from flowerpots, gutters, and other containers where mosquitoes breed.
• Install screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out.

Public awareness and preventive measures remain the most effective defense against mosquito-borne illnesses.

FAQs About Chikungunya

1. Can chikungunya be transmitted from person to person?
No, the virus is spread only through mosquito bites, not direct human contact.

2. How serious is chikungunya?
Most cases are mild, but severe joint pain or complications can occur in the elderly, infants, or people with underlying health issues.

3. Is there a vaccine for chikungunya in the U.S.?
Currently, no vaccine is widely available in the U.S., though vaccines have been approved in other countries.

4. How can I prevent mosquito bites at home?
Use repellents, wear protective clothing, eliminate standing water, and keep windows and doors screened.

5. Should I be worried about a chikungunya outbreak in New York?
The risk is currently very low due to colder temperatures and limited mosquito activity. Awareness and prevention are still important.

Are you prepared to protect yourself from mosquito-borne illnesses? Share your tips, experiences, and questions in the comments below! Stay informed and help spread awareness about chikungunya and other emerging health risks.