Dallas County Health and Human Services (DCHHS) has confirmed the second case of imported Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) in Dallas County in 2014. The patient was infected with the virus during recent travel to the Dominican Republic, and was diagnosed after returning to Dallas County. For medical confidentiality and personal privacy reasons, DCHHS does not provide additional identifying information.

Dallas County, TX map Image/David Benbennick via Wikimedia Commons
Dallas County, TX map
Image/David Benbennick via Wikimedia Commons

Statewide, The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) has confirmed 14 Texas cases of chikungunya as of Aug.26 (not including this new case) in the following counties: Bexar, Brazoria, Collin, Dallas, Gonzales, Harris (3), Midland, Montgomery, Tarrant, Travis (2) and Williamson counties.

Nationally, as of August 26, a total of 696 chikungunya virus disease cases have been reported to CDC ArboNET from U.S. states. Six locally-transmitted cases have been reported from Florida this year.

Dallas County has also reported five West Nile virus infections, another mosquito borne virus, in 2014 to date.

Symptoms of chikungunya include sudden onset of high fever (>102⁰F), multiple joint pains, mainly in the arms and legs, headache, muscle pain, back pain and rash. Symptoms appear on average three to seven days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Most patients feel better after a few days or weeks, however,some people may develop long-term effects. Complications are more common in infants younger than a year old; those older than 65; and people with chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension. For more infectious disease news and information, visit and “like” the Infectious Disease News Facebook page