The New York State Department of Health is investigating a possible case of a rare mosquito-borne virus locally transmitted to a person in Nassau County, officials confirmed Thursday.

Health officials said they have submitted samples to a state lab to confirm the case of chikungunya, a debilitating virus transmitted by mosquitoes that can cause joint pain and fever. If confirmed, it would be the first locally acquired case in state history, according to state health officials.

The New York Times reported the case was a 60-year-old woman who lives in the Town of Hempstead, who wanted to remain anonymous. Health officials would not give details about the person.

If the case is confirmed, state health officials said they will look at whether the person caught the virus locally or was inf

See Full Page