The Centers for Disease Control (hereafter referred to as CDC) announced today (the 19th) a new case of hantavirus syndrome. The case is a man in his 40s from the northern region, with no recent domestic or international travel history and no chronic illnesses. On April 7, while working, he was bitten by a rat and went to the emergency department for wound cleaning and tetanus vaccination. On May 2, he began experiencing fever, chills, and limb weakness and sought care at a clinic. As symptoms did not improve, he later visited a hospital emergency department and was admitted, and after reporting and testing, hantavirus syndrome was confirmed. A total of 11 cohabitants and workplace contacts were identified, all without suspected symptoms. Health authorities have conducted health monitoring of contacts, outbreak investigation, health education, and other control measures, and have carried out rodent control at the case’s residence and workplace.
According to CDC statistics, the total number of confirmed hantavirus syndrome cases in the country this year (2026) is three, a figure comparable to the 2–3 cases recorded during the same period in each of the past four years (2022–2025). Since 2017, a total of 46 cases have been reported, with males accounting for 31 cases (67.4%) and individuals aged over 40 accounting for 31 cases (67.4%).
The CDC states that hantavirus syndrome is a zoonotic disease; its natural reservoirs are rodents and other small mammals. Humans can become infected by inhaling or contacting dust or objects contaminated with excreta or secretions (including feces, urine, saliva) from infected rodents, or by being bitten by virus‑carrying rodents.
The CDC urges that implementing the “no mice entry, no mice residence, no mice feeding” principle is the most effective way to prevent hantavirus. The public should regularly monitor potential mouse entry routes, properly manage kitchen waste or pet food at home, and maintain cleanliness. When cleaning indoors or outdoors, if rodent droppings are found, appropriate personal protective equipment should be used—wear a mask, plastic or rubber gloves, and open doors and windows. Disinfect the potentially contaminated area with a diluted bleach solution (1 part commercial bleach to 9 parts water), spray it, wait five minutes for the disinfectant action, then clean. To prevent aerosolization of the virus, use disposable wipes, cloths, or old newspapers to remove debris, then seal them in a trash bag for disposal. For more information, please 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 by: Infection Control Office
