The Centers for Disease Control (hereafter CDC) announced today (the 21st) that three new confirmed cases of Japanese encephalitis have been identified in the country, with residences in Luzhu District, Taoyuan City (2 cases) and Kouhu Township, Yunlin County (1 case). All are male, aged in their 50s to 60s, and fell ill in early July. Symptoms include fever, altered consciousness, vomiting and weakness. After medical consultation and reporting, testing confirmed Japanese encephalitis, and all are currently hospitalized. Health authorities investigated and found that the three cases lived or were active near high‑risk sites such as pigeon or pig coops, livestock farms, ponds and ditches. The health authorities have installed mosquito‑attracting lamps at the related high‑risk sites, reminding local medical institutions to increase reporting vigilance, and strengthening public health education and timely vaccination of eligible young children as preventive measures.
CDC monitoring data show that the cumulative total of confirmed cases in the country for 2026 is eight, with four in Taoyuan City, and one each in Changhua County, Yunlin County, Chiayi County, and Hualien County. In Taiwan, May to October each year is the Japanese encephalitis season, with a peak in June to July. The nationwide confirmed case numbers for the same period in 2022–2025 were 16, 18, 19, and 18 respectively, predominantly among adults over 40, though all age groups are at risk. The public is urged to stay alert and not be complacent.
The CDC states that the primary vectors of Japanese encephalitis in Taiwan are the Culex tritaeniorhynchus, Culex annulus, and Culex quinquefasciatus mosquitoes, which commonly breed in rice fields, ponds, and irrigation ditches. Most people infected with Japanese encephalitis are asymptomatic; those who develop symptoms may experience headache, fever, and, in severe cases, altered consciousness, inability to recognize people, time or place, generalized weakness, and even coma or death. The public should try to avoid mosquito activity periods such as early morning or evening, especially in high‑risk locations like pig barns and other animal shelters. 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 children in our country 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 active near high‑risk environments such as pig barns 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: Centers for Disease Control
Data compiled by: Infection Control Office
