The Centers for Disease Control (hereafter referred to as CDC) announced today (the 2nd) a new domestic measles cluster caused by an imported case. The index case (Case 1) is a foreign woman in her thirties who traveled to Taiwan in mid‑May 2026; three days after entry she developed fever, cough, rhinitis, and rash, and was diagnosed after medical consultation and reporting for testing. Case 2 is a man in his twenties from the north, who was a housemate of Case 1 in Taiwan; when Case 1 was confirmed, the local health bureau identified him as a contact and placed him under health monitoring. During monitoring he developed cough, fever, and rash, and was diagnosed after the health bureau arranged medical care and testing. This cluster has a total of 2 confirmed cases, and 491 related contacts have been identified, with monitoring expected to continue until June 16.
The CDC explained that Taiwan has recorded a total of 11 measles cases this year, ranging in age from under 1 year to the 50s, including 3 domestically acquired cases and 8 imported cases, with the countries of infection being Vietnam, Malaysia, the United States, India, Indonesia, Kyrgyzstan, Japan, and Thailand (one case each). The global measles epidemic continues; neighboring Japan has reported a total of 511 cases this year, surpassing last year's total (265 cases), with the increase slowing in the past four weeks, and the majority of cases occurring in Tokyo, Kanagawa, and Saitama prefectures. Bangladesh's outbreak persists, with the epidemic that began in March this year having reported a cumulative 70,936 cases (9,049 confirmed) and 585 related deaths, the Dhaka region being the most severe. Southeast Asian countries (including Indonesia, Vietnam, and Thailand) continue to report cases and export cases to other nations.
The CDC noted that measles is highly contagious and can be transmitted through the air. If you have a history of contact with a confirmed case, or have been identified as a contact by the local health bureau, please be sure to follow the provisions listed in the “Measles Case Contact Health Monitoring Notice,” conduct proper health monitoring and protective measures, wear a mask if any suspected symptoms appear, and promptly contact the health bureau to arrange medical care. Do not underestimate the situation or seek care on your own. Contacts who fail to comply with self‑health management regulations may be fined NT$60,000 to NT$300,000 under Articles 48 and 67 of the Communicable Disease Control Act. Physicians are also urged to remain vigilant, as early measles symptoms are often nonspecific; when patients seek care, ensure that TOCC (Travel, Occupation, Contact, and Cluster) information is obtained to strengthen suspected case diagnosis and reporting.
The CDC reminds that vaccination is the most effective way to prevent measles. Taiwan currently has sufficient stock of publicly funded measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, and the public is urged to have their young children vaccinated on schedule. Because immunity from measles‑related vaccines wanes over time, adults born in 1966 or later who plan to travel to areas with measles transmission are advised to consult a travel medicine clinic 2–4 weeks before departure to assess the need for MMR vaccination. While traveling abroad, maintain personal hygiene, wash hands frequently, avoid touching the mouth and nose, and wear a mask as appropriate for self‑protection. Upon returning, if you develop suspected measles symptoms, proactively inform airport quarantine personnel for health assessment. 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: Infection Control Office
