The Centers for Disease Control (hereafter referred to as CDC) today (the 6th) announced the country's first confirmed domestic case of typhoid in 2026, a woman in her 70s from central Taiwan with a chronic disease history, no recent domestic or overseas travel, who developed fever and diarrhea in mid‑July. Because symptoms did not improve, she sought medical care and was hospitalized; laboratory testing confirmed the diagnosis, and the patient has now been discharged to recover at home. An investigation identified three co‑habitants and 42 related contacts, of whom one had diarrhea. Health authorities have completed testing of the three co‑habitants and the one symptomatic contact; all four test results were negative, and health education and monitoring have been provided to contacts, along with guidance on food and hand hygiene.
According to CDC statistics, Taiwan has recorded a total of four confirmed typhoid cases this year, including one domestic case and three imported cases. The number of domestic cases is comparable to the same period in 2022‑2025 (which ranged from 1 to 3 cases). Since 2022, the country has accumulated 40 cases, comprising 11 domestic and 29 imported cases, with the majority aged 20‑39 years, and the most common source of importation being Indonesia (22 cases).
The CDC explains that typhoid is a Category 2 legally notifiable infectious disease caused by Salmonella Typhi, an intestinal infection with an incubation period typically 8‑14 days (ranging from 3 to 60 days). Transmission occurs mainly through consumption of food or water contaminated with the feces or urine of patients or carriers. Common symptoms include persistent fever, headache, fatigue, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, diarrhea, relative bradycardia, or a rash on the trunk. The CDC urges the public to pay attention to food and hand hygiene: drinking water should be boiled or bottled, foods must be thoroughly cooked before eating, and cooking and preparation should avoid cross‑contamination between raw and cooked foods. In addition, good personal hygiene practices—washing hands with soap and clean water after meals, after using the toilet, before handling food, or after changing diapers—are essential to prevent infection.
The CDC reminds the public that if any suspected symptoms appear, seek medical care promptly and inform the provider of your dietary history; medical facilities that identify a suspected case should report it within 24 hours. For more information, visit the CDC’s global website (https://www.cdc.gov.tw) for inquiry, or call the free epidemic‑prevention hotline 1922 (or 0800-001922) for assistance.
Source: Centers for Disease Control
Data compiled: Infection Control Office
