State department of health investigating possible locally acquired case of Chikungunya
Chikungunya is a mosquito-borne illness linked to travel to tropical regions.
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A Long Island woman tells News 12 she tested positive for Chikungunya, a mosquito borne illness.
The New York State Department of Health says it is investigating the possible locally acquired case.
Chikungunya is a mosquito-borne illness linked to travel to tropical regions. It can cause fever and joint pain but is rarely fatal, health officials say.
The woman said she did not travel off the island and contracted the illness at the end of August.
According to officials, no locally acquired cases have ever been reported in New York State, and the risk to the public remains very low.
Routine mosquito testing has not detected Chikungunya. The department says it is working with local health officials to confirm test results and will share updates as they become available.
