The Taiwan Centers for Disease Control announced today (the 14th) three new confirmed cases of Japanese encephalitis in the country, with residences in Guanyin District, Taoyuan City; Taoyuan District, Taoyuan City; and Huatan Township, Changhua County. The cases consist of two men and one woman, all in their 70s. Onset dates range from June 13 to June 18, 2026. Symptoms include dizziness, headache, diarrhea, fever, general weakness, slurred speech, and altered consciousness. After seeking medical care and reporting, tests confirmed Japanese encephalitis; all are currently hospitalized. Investigations by health authorities found that high‑risk sites such as rice fields, pigeon lofts, and pig farms are located near the residences of all three cases. Health units have installed mosquito‑attracting lamps in the high‑risk areas surrounding the cases’ homes, urging local medical facilities to increase reporting vigilance and to strengthen public health education and age‑appropriate childhood vaccination measures.
CDC surveillance data show that the cumulative total of confirmed cases in Taiwan for 2026 is now five. In Taiwan, May through October each year is the Japanese encephalitis season, with a peak in June and July. The nationwide confirmed case numbers for the same period in 2022–2025 were 13, 16, 16, and 14 respectively, predominantly among adults over 40, although all age groups are at risk. The public is reminded to stay alert and not be complacent.
The CDC states that the primary vectors of Japanese encephalitis in Taiwan are the three‑spot mosquito, the banded mosquito, and the white‑head mosquito, which commonly breed in rice fields, ponds, and irrigation ditches. Most infected individuals are asymptomatic; those who develop symptoms may experience headache, fever, and other signs. Severe cases can lead to altered consciousness, disorientation, generalized weakness, and even coma or death. The public should avoid mosquito‑active periods such as early morning and evening, especially in high‑risk locations like pig farms and other animal husbandry facilities. If avoidance is not possible, wear light‑colored long‑sleeved clothing and apply government‑approved insect repellents containing DEET, Picaridin, or IR3535 on exposed skin.
The CDC urges that the most effective way to prevent Japanese encephalitis is vaccination. The routine schedule for Taiwanese children is the first dose at 15 months of age, followed by a second dose 12 months later. The public is reminded to bring eligible children to local health centers or contracted clinics for vaccination on schedule to avoid serious complications from infection. In addition, residents living or working near high‑risk environments such as pig farms or rice fields should implement mosquito‑control measures. Adults who consider themselves at risk may visit travel‑medicine clinics to assess self‑paid vaccination for Japanese encephalitis. For more information, visit the CDC website (https://www.cdc.gov.tw) or call the toll‑free epidemic prevention hotline 1922 (or 0800-001922) for inquiries.
Source: CDC
Data compiled by: Infection Control Office
