Fever, joint pain, headaches, nausea, rash and muscle pain? These are the symptoms caused by a mosquito bite and the New York Department of Health just confirmed the state’s first case.
Chikungunya virus is typically spread by a mosquito to human. Previously, the only cases of this disease in the United States were of people who traveled internationally to areas where infection is prevalent. Now we have a case right here in New York.
In September the New York State Health Department began investigating a possible case of this rare mosquito-borne virus. AÂ 60-year-old woman from Hempstead, Long Island, told the New York Times that she tested positive for it in a preliminary test.
Today the New York Post is reporting that an individual living in Nassau County has tested positive for the mosquito-borne chikungunya virus. This marks the first reported transmission within the US in six years.
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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that Chikungunya virus is spread to people by the bite of an infected mosquito. Symptoms can include fever, joint pain, headache, muscle pain, joint swelling, and rash. There are no medicines to treat chikungunya virus disease.
The World Health Organization reports that there are currently two chikungunya vaccines that have received regulatory approvals in several countries and/or have been recommended for use in populations at risk. These vaccines are not yet widely available nor in widespread use.
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New York State’s Invasive Plants To Be On The Lookout ForThese seven invasive plants have become a nuisance to the wildlife and people living in New York State. Learn more about them and how to remove them at the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation here.5 of New York’s Most Devastating Invasive Species
Here are 5 species that have invaded New York State and in some cases they must be killed. We are talking about fish that walk on land, plants that cause severe burns and insects that could wipe out a variety of crops that we rely on.
Keep an eye out for these species and you hike, work around the yard or do some fishing this year. Should you locate any of these it is important to report where and when you found them to the New York State DEC.
Gallery Credit: Karolyi