First Chikungunya Infection in 6 Years is Confirmed in New York Resident
A resident of New York was infected with Chikungunya, the first locally acquired case since 2019. The virus cannot be spread from person to person. People can become infected when bitten by a mosquito carrying the virus. The person developed symptoms following a trip to another region of the US. Although health authorities do not know exactly how the person became infected, they were likely bitten by an infected mosquito outside of New York area. In recent tests, the virus has not been found in the region’s mosquito pools. Because mosquito activity is lower in cooler temperatures, the risk of infection is currently considered “very low”.
Full Story: The Associated Press
South Carolina Offers No-Cost Vaccines as Measles Outbreak Grows
As measles spreads, South Carolina’s state health department is offering free measles vaccines. Residents who are not vaccinated are eligible to receive the shot at no charge through mobile clinics. “We just continue to emphasize everyone to please take advantage of getting protection…as quickly as possible,” said state epidemiologist Linda Bell.
The number of South Carolinian’s infected increased to 16 in the last week, marking the most cases in a year since measles was declared eliminated in 2000. All 16 people infected were not vaccinated against the virus.
Full Story: South Carolina Daily Gazette
