New York Confirms First-Ever Local Chikungunya Virus Case

On November 16, 2025, New York health officials announced the confirmation of the state's first-ever locally acquired case of chikungunya virus, a mosquito-borne illness typically found in tropical regions. This marks the first such case in New York and the first locally acquired case in the United States since 2019.

While three other chikungunya cases had been reported in New York earlier this year, those were all linked to travel abroad. The new case represents a concerning development, as the overheating of the planet is facilitating the spread of chikungunya and other mosquito-borne illnesses by expanding the habitats of the species that transmit them.

Warmer temperatures are allowing these mosquitoes to survive in more northerly areas and at higher altitudes, as well as stay active for longer periods throughout the year. For instance, a slew of cities and counties across the U.S., including Denver, reported an earlier-than-usual West Nile virus season in 2025.

Health officials are urging residents to take precautions against mosquito bites, such as using insect repellent and wearing long, loose-fitting clothing. Some communities are also actively working to reduce mosquito populations in an effort to curb the transmission of these diseases.