The Centers for Disease Control (hereafter referred to as CDC) today (the 19th) announced an additional confirmed case of pertussis, a baby girl under one year old in the north, who has not yet received pertussis-related vaccines. Starting from April 21, 2026, she developed a persistent cough accompanied by vomiting and other symptoms, visited a clinic, and later, as symptoms did not improve, went to the hospital emergency department, was admitted to an isolation ward for treatment, and after testing and reporting, was confirmed to have pertussis. Two household contacts showed no suspected symptoms. This case will continue health monitoring until June 2.
According to CDC monitoring data, the domestic cumulative total of locally transmitted cases this year (2026) is 4, lower than the same period last year (18 cases). The cumulative number of pertussis cases from 2022 to 2026 were 2, 0, 34, 45, and 4 respectively. The age group with the most cases is 11-18 years, with 29 cases (34.1%), followed by infants aged 6 months or younger, with 22 cases (25.9%).
The CDC reminds that because early symptoms of pertussis resemble a common cold, the public may overlook symptoms and delay seeking medical care, thereby transmitting the disease to infants or other contacts at home and causing cluster infections. The public is urged to stay vigilant; if there are suspected symptoms (paroxysmal severe coughing, wheezing sounds during breathing, facial flushing or cyanosis after coughing, and vomiting after coughing), they should seek medical attention promptly to protect their own and their families' health. Vaccination is the most effective method to prevent pertussis. Currently, our country provides infants with a dose of pertussis-related vaccine at 2, 4, 6, and 18 months of age, and another dose at 5 years before entering primary school. Residents with infants are reminded to bring them to the contracted vaccination clinic on time to complete vaccination for adequate protection. In recent years, most domestic pertussis cases have been infants under 6 months who have not completed vaccination. It is recommended that women receive, at their own expense, one dose of reduced tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccine during each pregnancy, preferably between weeks 27–36 of gestation, to maximize the transfer of maternal antibodies to the infant, thereby protecting the fetus and newborn. Additionally, because the source of infection in household clusters is often the caregiver or co‑resident, it is recommended that infant caregivers receive a dose of Tdap vaccine at their own expense.
The CDC calls on parents or older children in the household to pay attention to cough etiquette and respiratory hygiene. Before returning home after going out and interacting with infants, they should change clothes and wash hands, and avoid taking infants to hospitals, crowded places, or poorly ventilated public areas to reduce infection risk. If you notice yourself or family members showing suspected symptoms, wear a mask and seek medical care promptly, and follow the doctor's instructions to complete treatment to prevent transmission. For more information, visit the CDC's global website (https://www.cdc.gov.tw) or call the toll‑free epidemic prevention hotline 1922 (or 0800-001922) for inquiries.
Source: Centers for Disease Control
Data compiled: Surveillance Office
