Chikungunya fever case confirmed in Duval County

Health officials warn against mosquito-borne illnesses

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Florida Department of Health in Duval County on Friday confirmed a case of chikungunya fever, a disease spread by bites from infected mosquitoes.

If a person is infected and bitten by a mosquito, that mosquito may later spread the infection by biting another person. The case involves a 49-year-old woman who recently traveled out of the country.

"She had traveled to the Caribbean, which is an endemic country and within two weeks of her returning to the United States, she had come down with symptoms," said epidemiologist Haley Zachary.

Dr. Kelli Wells, the director of the Florida Department of Health in Duval County, said avoiding mosquito bites is the key to preventing infections.

"Floridians and visitors are encouraged to take precautionary measures to help reduce the chance of being bitten," Wells said. "Remember to drain and cover."

Health officials advise:

  • Drain standing water to stop mosquitoes from multiplying.
  • Drain water from garbage cans, house gutters, buckets, pool covers, coolers, toys, flower pots or any other containers where sprinkler or rain water has collected.
  • Discard old tires, drums, bottles, cans, pots and pans, broken appliances and other items that aren't being used.
  • Empty and clean birdbaths and pet's water bowls at least once or twice a week.
  • Protect boats and vehicles from rain with tarps that don't accumulate water.
  • Maintain swimming pools in good condition and appropriately chlorinated. Empty plastic swimming pools when not in use.
  • Cover skin with clothing or repellent.
  • Wear shoes, socks, long pants and long-sleeves.
  • Apply mosquito repellent to bare skin and clothing.
  • Always use repellents according to the label. (Repellents with DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus and IR3535 are effective.)
  • Cover doors and windows with screens to keep mosquitoes out.
  • Keep mosquitoes out of your house. Repair broken screens on windows, doors, porches and patios.


People at increased risk for severe disease include newborns exposed during delivery, older adults (65 or older), and people with chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, etc.

Symptoms of chikungunya include sudden onset of high fever (over 102 degrees), severe joint pain 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.

While health officials say the fever is rarely deadly, people still need to take the warnings seriously and avoid mosquitoes. It's important to note, they said, that the disease cannot be transmitted from person to person.

"It is, so far, a disease that is not endemic to Florida, but because Florida has so many people traveling from other countries, we need to be cautious and we need to be on guard," said John Shellhorn, chief of the city's mosquito control division. "Fortunately, we continue to work very close with the local health department."

If you experience symptoms of chikungunya fever, consult with your health care provider immediately and protect yourself against further mosquito bites. Avoiding mosquito bites while you are sick will help to protect others from getting infected.

For more information on chikungunya, visit the Florida Department of Health or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.