The Centers for Disease Control (hereafter referred to as CDC) announced that in April 2026, two new confirmed cases of monkeypox were added, a man in his 30s and a man in his 40s, both unvaccinated against monkeypox, and both reported having had sexual transactions or encounters with unspecified opposite-sex partners in March. They sought medical care due to blisters or rashes on the body or face and fever, and were diagnosed after reporting. Domestically, up to April 20 this year, a total of 12 new confirmed monkeypox cases were added (11 locally transmitted and 1 imported), all young adult males aged 25–50, with cases in the north, central, and southern regions. Epidemiological investigation found unsafe sexual practices (through online dating or commercial venues, etc.), nearly 80% had not received the monkeypox vaccine, and compared with six cases in the same period of 2025, the number has doubled, indicating continued community transmission risk. Since June 23, 2022, our country has classified monkeypox as a Category 2 statutory infectious disease, and as of April 20 this year, a cumulative total of 528 cases have been confirmed (492 domestic and 36 imported).
The global monkeypox outbreak continues to spread. Up to February this year, 46 countries/regions reported 1,184 new confirmed cases (including 4 deaths), with 58.6% concentrated in Africa, and the number of cases in Europe increased slightly by 5.6%. Since 2022, a total of more than 181,000 confirmed cases and 492 deaths have been reported by 144 countries worldwide, mainly distributed across the Americas and Africa. The threat of cross‑border transmission of clade Ib viruses has increased; several European countries (Austria, Belgium, Portugal, Spain, and the United Kingdom) are experiencing sustained community transmission. Recently, the Americas (Argentina, Ecuador) and Asia (Singapore) have each reported their first imported or locally transmitted cases. Overall, while the transmission risk for the general public is assessed as low, the risk for groups engaging in high‑risk behaviors, especially those without a regular sexual partner, is assessed as moderate.
The CDC reminds that the incubation period of monkeypox can be up to 21 days, and some cases can transmit the virus to others 1 to 4 days before symptoms appear. Vaccination is currently the most effective preventive measure. Vaccine stock remains sufficient, with 312 partner medical institutions nationwide offering publicly funded monkeypox vaccination services. The public is urged to complete the two‑dose publicly funded monkeypox vaccine if they meet the eligibility criteria, including: having engaged in risk behaviors within the past year (e.g., multiple sexual partners, sex work, sexual activity in commercial venues, etc.); having a history of sexually transmitted infections; or having sexual partners who meet any of the aforementioned conditions.
As of the end of March this year, 107,014 people have received at least one dose of the monkeypox vaccine, of whom 75,751 have completed the two‑dose series, indicating that 31,263 people (29%) still need the second dose. The CDC again reminds that 14 days after the first dose, protection against the disease is only about 40% to 80%, whereas completing the two‑dose regimen can provide up to 90% protection. Information on publicly funded vaccination medical institutions can be found on the CDC website under the Monkeypox section / Monkeypox Vaccine / Monkeypox Vaccine Service Partner Medical Institutions ( https://gov.tw/3SG ) for inquiry. Additionally, those who do not qualify for publicly funded monkeypox vaccination but are assessed by a physician to have a genuine exposure risk may receive the monkeypox vaccine at their own expense at any of the eight national travel medicine contract hospitals. Relevant information can be found on the CDC website under International Travel and Health / Travel Medicine Outpatient.
The CDC urges the public traveling to epidemic areas or domestic high‑risk venues to practice self‑protection and avoid social activities that may involve close contact with unspecified individuals, and to monitor their own or others' symptoms to reduce exposure risk. If skin lesions appear, such as rashes, blisters, macules, papules, pustules, etc., as well as fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, or lymphadenopathy (e.g., around the ears, armpits, neck, or groin), individuals should wear a mask, seek medical attention promptly, and proactively inform the physician of travel history, exposure to high‑risk venues, or relevant contact history. For more information, visit the CDC website (https://www.cdc.gov.tw) or call the domestic toll‑free epidemic prevention hotline 1922 (or 0800-001922) for inquiries.
Coinciding with the last week of April (April 24–30), which the World Health Organization designates as "World Immunization Week," vaccination is globally recognized as one of the safest, most successful, and most cost‑effective measures for preventing infectious diseases. The public who meet the eligibility criteria for any vaccine or have vaccination needs are encouraged to get vaccinated, strengthen their immune protection, and jointly safeguard the health and safety of families and communities.
Source: Centers for Disease Control
Compiled by: Infection Control Office
