Health officials warn that chikungunya, a mosquito-borne virus that caused Covid-like restrictions in China, has now surfaced in the U.S. A Long Island woman tested positive in August, despite not traveling outside New York. Officials fear this could be the state’s first locally acquired case.
Chikungunya spreads through mosquito bites and often causes sudden, severe joint pain. “It can leave people unable to move normally for months,” experts explained. Other symptoms include high fever and fatigue. While rarely deadly, the virus has caused more than 135 deaths worldwide this year.
China recently faced over 10,000 infections, prompting quarantines and strict government controls. Globally, more than 317,000 cases have been reported across Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas. U.S. health officials stress that the overall risk remains low, but warn mosquitoes here could spread the virus if they bite infected travelers.
Doctors urge Americans to protect themselves with insect repellent and long sleeves. As one WHO expert warned, “We are seeing history repeating itself.” Do you think the U.S. is prepared if cases rise?
