First case of mosquito-borne chikungunya confirmed in North Carolina
RALEIGH (WTVD) -- North Carolina's first case of mosquito-borne chikungunya fever has been confirmed.
The Chikungunya virus is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito, and the Asian Tiger mosquito that is commonly found in North Carolina could effectively transmit this virus, according to the Department of Health and Human Services.
Officials said chikungunya was confirmed in a resident who recently travelled to the Caribbean.
They said at this time, there have not been any cases of the disease known to have been acquired in North Carolina or the continental United States.
Symptoms of chikungunya usually begin three to seven days after being bitten by an infected mosquito.
Symptoms typically include the sudden onset of fever and severe, often disabling, joint pains in the hands and feet. Many patients feel better within a week; however, the joint pain may persist for months in some people. Newborns exposed during delivery, adults over 65 years and people with chronic medical conditions have a greater risk for a severe form of the disease.
Prior to its introduction in the Caribbean, chikungunya was established in East Africa, India, the Indian Ocean and the Western Pacific regions. It was introduced in the Caribbean in December 2013 through travelers returning from affected areas. As of June 6, chikungunya has caused illness in over 130,000 persons in the Caribbean.
To learn more about chikungunya virus, visit www.cdc.gov/chikungunya.
To learn more about how to prevent mosquito bites, visit epi.publichealth.nc.gov/cd/arbo/prevent.html.
