The Florida Department of Health confirmed two additional locally acquired, or autochthonous cases of the mosquito borne virus, chikungunya, bringing the total of such cases to four in the state and the country.
The Florida Department of Health in St Lucie County (FDOH-St Lucie) Wednesday confirmed a case of locally-acquired chikungunya fever. The county’s first locally acquired case was an adult who lives in a residential area north of Dan McCarty School in Fort Pierce. The individual did not require hospitalization and is recovering.
“Avoiding mosquito bites is the key to preventing infection with chikungunya and other mosquito-borne diseases,” said Larry Lee, St Lucie County Health Officer. “Floridians and visitors are encouraged to take precautionary measures to help reduce the chance of being bitten. Remember to drain and cover.”
In addition, health officials in Palm Beach County confirmed the second case of locally acquired chikungunya fever. With this second Palm Beach County case, Health Officials are changing the mosquito borne Advisory from the possibility of transmission to an Alert status warning that the disease is likely in the mosquito population.
“The Department continues to conduct countywide monitoring for signs of additional locally acquired cases of chikungunya,” said Dr. Alina Alonso, Director, Florida Department of Health in Palm Beach County. “Everyone should take precautions and fight the bite of mosquitoes to prevent chikungunya and other mosquito-borne diseases.”
In addition to the four indigenous chikungunya cases reported this year, Florida has also reported 115 travel-associated, or imported cases. For more infectious disease news and information, visit and “like” the Infectious Disease News Facebook page
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.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported Tuesday, 398 travel associated chikungunya cases in the US and territories and 203 locally acquired cases (primarily in Puerto Rico). This last number does not include the two latest autochthonous cases reported above.
