4th case of chikungunya confirmed in Bexar County

14 cases reported state-wide

BEXAR COUNTY, Texas – According to the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District, a fourth case of chikungunya has been confirmed in Bexar County.

Officials said all local cases were acquired when the infected persons were bitten by mosquitos during travel to the Caribbean.

While the virus is rarely fatal, symptoms can include rash, head and muscle aches, high fever and severe joint pain and swelling. 

There is no vaccine or treatment for the virus, but the symptoms, which usually begin three to seven days after exposure, will usually subside within week. However, some infected may develop longer-term joint pain.

Because chikungunya is a mosquito-borne virus, people are encouraged to protect themselves by using insect repellants containing DEET and wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants.

Fourteen cases of chikungunya have been reported in the state of Texas.