The CDC announced today (the 9th) the first confirmed case of Japanese encephalitis in Taiwan for 2026, a woman in her 60s from Minxiong Township, Chiayi County. She has no recent overseas travel history, has chronic illnesses, and was hospitalized in early June with fever, altered consciousness, and coma; after hospital reporting and testing, the diagnosis was confirmed, and she remains hospitalized. Co‑habitants show no suspected symptoms. The patient’s usual activity area is near her home, adjacent to rice fields and ditches, with high‑risk sites such as pigeon lofts, pig farms, and poultry farms. Health authorities have installed mosquito‑attracting lights at the patient’s residence and nearby high‑risk sites, intensified health education for local residents, and reminded medical institutions to strengthen reporting.
CDC monitoring data show that Taiwan has recorded a total of one confirmed case in 2026 so far. 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 2, 6, 8, and 1 respectively, mainly among adults over 40, though all age groups are at risk. The public is reminded to stay vigilant 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 show no obvious symptoms; those who do may experience headache, fever, etc., and severe cases can involve altered consciousness, inability to recognize people, time or place, generalized weakness, and even coma or death. The public is urged to avoid mosquito‑biting peak periods as much as possible, especially in high‑risk locations such as pig pens and other animal shelters. If avoidance is not feasible, 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. In Taiwan, the routine schedule for 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‑prevention measures; adults who feel they are at risk may consult travel medicine clinics for self‑paid vaccination. 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: Gankuan Office
