A resident of New York shared her experience after potentially contracting the debilitating vector-borne illness known as chikungunya—an unusual occurrence in the United States.
What’s happening?
The 60-year-old woman from Hempstead received a positive test result for chikungunya in August during a preliminary screening. This diagnosis was concerning, as the disease is quite rare in North America. Traditionally, chikungunya has been spread by yellow fever mosquitoes, which don’t inhabit the New York area, as noted by reports.
However, Asian tiger mosquitoes, which are increasingly responsible for spreading the disease, have expanded their territory into various states in the Northeast. These mosquitoes have become more prevalent in the U.S., thanks in part to warmer winters that provide ideal conditions for their eggs.
The woman described severe joint pain, a common symptom of chikungunya. It was as if her feet, ankles, wrists, hands, and shoulders were being pulled apart, which sounds pretty intense.
Why is chikungunya concerning?
Chikungunya hasn’t been locally transmitted in the U.S. for about a decade, but the rise in warmer weather has drawn mosquitoes that carry various diseases. Unusually high winter temperatures have also lengthened the mosquito season, potentially increasing the chances of outbreaks.
Human activities impact not just the environment but our health too. The pollution we generate—whether from landfills or using non-clean energy—contributes to greenhouse gases. This, in turn, leads to warmer weather that allows disease-carrying vectors to thrive in new areas. As a result, people might find themselves exposed to illnesses like chikungunya, which can be quite debilitating.
What’s being done about chikungunya?
Given how painful chikungunya can be, it’s vital to prevent and monitor its spread. Fortunately, it hasn’t escalated into a major public health concern in the U.S. A spokesperson from the Department of Health noted that transmission rates remain low. An expert weighed in on how a mosquito carrying chikungunya could have arrived in the state.
“Mosquitoes can sometimes hitch a ride back in luggage or airplanes,” said Dr. Bruce Farber, an infectious disease expert.
Still, the infected woman felt it was important to share her story to raise awareness about the possible presence of chikungunya. She hadn’t traveled abroad recently, which meant she wouldn’t have been aware of the need to check for the disease. Her experience emphasizes that people with symptoms—and the medical community—should continue to assess for this illness to monitor its spread.
In the meantime, individuals can contribute to reducing the harmful pollution that warms our planet. Some ways to do this might include switching to electric vehicles or using less plastic. It’s also great to encourage friends and family to discuss important issues related to climate change.
