The Centers for Disease Control (hereafter referred to as CDC) announced today (the 24th) that the Qingming children's holiday is approaching, reminding the public that during the holiday, if they plan to go outdoors for tomb sweeping, ancestor worship, outings, or engage in hiking or camping activities, they may easily encounter grass where chigger mites breed, increasing the risk of contracting scrub typhus. They must take personal protective measures to avoid being bitten by chiggers and infected. Additionally, the public is especially reminded that when going to the wilderness or mountainous areas for tomb sweeping, flower viewing, hiking, or outings, they should protect themselves by wearing long‑sleeved clothing and boots, disturb grass to scare snakes when entering thickets and grass piles, avoid moving hollow trees or stones, and avoid staying at night, at sunrise, or after rain when snakes are active, to prevent venomous snake bites.
CDC monitoring data show that as of March 23, 2026, a total of 25 confirmed cases of scrub typhus have been reported, with the majority (9 cases) infected in the Hualien‑Taitung region. This year's cumulative case count is higher than the same period in 2025 and comparable to 2022 and 2024. Scrub typhus cases occur throughout the year in our country; historical data indicate that reports rise from April to May, peak in June to July, and the number of infections is higher in the eastern and outlying island regions.
The CDC points out that scrub typhus is transmitted by the bite of chigger mites carrying rickettsiae; the mites reside in grass and wait to attach to passing humans or animals. The incubation period is about 9 to 12 days, and patients may experience persistent high fever, headache, and swollen lymph nodes. About a week after fever onset, red maculopapular rashes appear on the skin, and the chigger bite site often develops a black scab, which is a key feature of the disease. The public is urged, when visiting graves or engaging in outdoor activities such as outings, to take personal protective measures if they come into contact with grassy areas, including wearing light‑colored long‑sleeved clothing, gloves, long socks, and boots, tucking pant legs into socks; and, according to label instructions, apply government‑approved insect repellents containing DEET, Picaridin, or IR3535 on clothing and exposed skin. In addition, after leaving the grass, bathe and change all clothing promptly to prevent mite attachment and bites. If symptoms are suspected, seek medical care promptly and inform the physician of relevant activity history. For more information, please refer to the CDC’s global website (http://www.cdc.gov.tw) or call the domestic free epidemic prevention hotline 1922 (or 0800-001922) for inquiries.
The CDC urges that if the public is accidentally bitten by a venomous snake, they should stay calm and remember the “Five Musts and Five Must‑Nots”. Five Musts: treat it as a venomous snake bite; note the snake’s appearance; remove jewelry to prevent limb swelling; bandage the upper edge of the wound to slow venom spread; stay calm and seek medical care promptly. Five Must‑Nots: do not cut the wound, to avoid infection; do not suck out the venom with the mouth, to avoid infection; do not apply ice, to prevent tissue necrosis; do not drink alcohol or stimulants, to avoid accelerating venom effects; do not delay seeking medical care, to prevent postponing treatment. Because antivenom is a prescription medication, if needed, one can first check the “Antivenom Reserve Point Inquiry” (https://gov.tw/yPR), to learn about the antivenom stock at nearby medical facilities, and do not purchase drugs of unknown origin.
Source: Centers for Disease Control
Data compiled: Gankuan Office
