The New York State Department of Health has issued a health advisory to healthcare providers in response to an increase in chikungunya virus cases globally. The advisory follows recent outbreaks in regions such as China, Sri Lanka, and several African countries. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released Level 2 Travel Health Notices for Bolivia, the Indian Ocean region, and China.
“While no locally transmitted cases of chikungunya virus have been reported in New York State, the Department urges New Yorkers who are traveling internationally to take precautions,” said State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald. “The Department encourages those traveling to affected areas to take steps to avoid mosquito bites and see a doctor immediately if symptoms occur.”
Chikungunya is spread through the bite of mosquitoes infected with the virus, primarily Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus species. In the United States, most cases have involved travelers returning from areas where chikungunya is common. Although there have been some mosquito-transmitted cases within the country in recent years, none have occurred in New York State. The Aedes aegypti mosquito does not naturally occur in New York.
Common symptoms include fever and joint pain that can be severe or disabling. Other possible symptoms are headache, muscle pain, and rash. These usually appear three to seven days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. There is currently no specific treatment for chikungunya.
A vaccine called VIMKUNYA is available in the United States for individuals aged 12 years and older who may be at higher risk of exposure or who work in laboratories handling the virus. Travelers should consult their healthcare providers before visiting areas with known chikungunya transmission.
New Yorkers returning from international travel who experience fever and joint pain are advised to contact a healthcare provider promptly and inform them about their travel history so they can receive appropriate care and help prevent further spread of the disease.
