Indiana: Allen County resident tests positive for chikungunya

An Allen County resident has tested positive for the chikungunya virus, according to Indiana health officials today. The patient had recently traveled to the Caribbean where there is a large outbreak of the mosquito borne virus that has affected at least 135,000 people since December.

Aedes mosquito Image/CDC

“We expected the epidemic in the Caribbean to cause some travel-related cases here in Indiana,” said Jennifer Brown, DVM, State Public Health Veterinarian at the Indiana State Department of Health. “We encourage all Hoosiers to take precautions against mosquito bites at home and while traveling.”

“Chikungunya is just another example of the dangers posed by disease-carrying mosquitoes,” said Allen County Health Commissioner Deborah McMahan, M.D. “Whether you are planning a trip to the Caribbean or a picnic in your own backyard, please remember your best defense is to wear insect repellent and stay inside as much as possible during peak biting times.”

Unlike West Nile virus infection, chikungunya can be transmitted from a sick person to a healthy person by the bite of an infected mosquito. Infected persons are advised to avoid exposure to mosquitoes during the first week of illness.

“If you have recently traveled to the Caribbean and believe that you have symptoms of chikungunya, visit your health care provider and tell them about your travel history,” said Dr. Brown. For more infectious disease news and information, visit and “like” the Infectious Disease News Facebook page

Indiana health officials say that the risk  for Hoosiers who have not traveled to the Caribbean is low, state health officials recommend the following to protect against mosquito-borne viruses like West Nile virus and St. Louis Encephalitis: Avoid places where mosquitoes are biting; Apply insect repellent containing DEET, picaradin or oil of lemon eucalyptus to clothes and exposed skin; Install or repair screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out of the home; and, When possible, wear pants and long sleeves, especially if walking in wooded or marshy areas.