Two NH Residents Test Positive For Chikungunya Virus
CONCORD, N.H. (CBS) - New Hampshire health officials are reporting two cases of the Chikungunya virus in people.
Both people had recently traveled to the Caribbean, where outbreaks of the mosquito-borne illness have been occurring.
The two cases mark the only identified cases in New Hampshire of the virus to date. This past weekend, Boston health officials reported four cases among residents, and last month, RI health officials reported two cases.
The most common symptoms of Chikungunya infection are fever and joint pain. Other symptoms may include headache, muscle pain, joint swelling, and rash. It is typically not fatal. However, people who have symptoms of Chikunguyna and have recently traveled to a country where Chikungunya is spread by mosquitoes should contact their healthcare provider.
Health officials say there is no risk of anyone catching it in New Hampshire.
The virus was first identified in Tanzania in 1952. It first showed up in the Americas last year, but has yet to be detected in the continental U.S.
Online: CDC
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