JACKSON, Mississippi (AP) — The Mississippi State Department of Health is confirming one new human case of chikungunya (chih-kihn-GUHN’-yuh) virus.
Health officials say in a news release the newest case occurred in a resident who recently returned from the Dominican Republic.
This is the fourth human case reported in a Mississippi.
The three cases previously reported occurred in travelers to Haiti and the Dominican Republic.
Symptoms include fever, muscle and joint pain and joint swelling. Deaths are rare, but officials say anyone with a compromised immune system is at a higher risk of complications from the infection.
Officials say the virus recently appeared in the Caribbean, and could possibly infect Mississippians who travel there.
Health officials say individuals who think they might be infected with chikungunya virus should see their health care provider.
