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Japanese encephalitis cases hit three-year high: CDC
Central News Agency
2015-07-15 11:54 AM
Taipei, July 15 (CNA) There have been 19 Japanese encephalitis cases in Taiwan so far this year as of July 11, already exceeding the number of cases seen in both 2013 and 2014, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) said Wednesday. Four Japanese encephalitis cases were confirmed during the week of July 5-11 in Taichung City and Nantou County in central Taiwan and Yunlin County and Pingtung County in southern Taiwan, the CDC said. Those infections brought the total number of cases to the highest level since 2012. According to the CDC, there were 33 Japanese encephalitis cases in all of 2010, 22 in 2011, 32 in 2012, 16 in 2013 and 18 in 2014.
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Previous cases...
Taiwan CDC announces this year?s first Japanese encephalitis case in housewife and urges public take personal precautions against mosquitoes and receive timely vaccination ( 2015-06-12 )
On June 11, 2015, the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (Taiwan CDC) announced this year?s first case of Japanese encephalitis in a 31-year-old housewife who resides in southern Taiwan. On June 2, she sought medical attention at a clinic after developing headache and fever. On June 4, when her symptoms persisted and she began to develop dizziness and vomiting, she sought medical attention at a hospital and was hospitalized in the intensive care unit. After the hospital reported her to the health authority as a suspected Japanese encephalitis case, infection was confirmed in the case on June 10. As of now, the case is still unconscious and hospitalized.
According to the epidemiological investigation, the case had not recently traveled overseas, but there are pig farms, pigeon farms and rice paddy fields within 2 km of the case?s residence. Hence, it is determined that the source of infection is somewhere around the case?s residence. Currently, none of the family members residing in the same household has experienced any symptoms. To prevent the further spread of the disease, the local health authorities has set up mosquito lamps around the residence of the confirmed cases as an attempt to capture vector mosquitoes, reinforced health education among residents who live near the confirmed cases as well as urged routine vaccination of age-appropriate children. As the Japanese encephalitis season has approached, Taiwan CDC urges the public to take precautions against mosquitoes and advises parents to have children vaccinated at local health bureaus and designated hospitals as soon as possible.
According to Taiwan CDC?s surveillance data, transmission of Japanese encephalitis in Taiwan occurs annually between May and October and it usually peaks between June and July. Thus far this year, as of June 10, one Japanese encephalitis case has been confirmed in Taiwan. During 2010 and 2014, the total numbers of confirmed Japanese encephalitis cases respectively are 33, 22, 32, 16 and 18. People of all ages can become infected. People aged between 30 and 59 are at increased risk for infection. The surveillance data also shows that most cases are reported in central and southern Taiwan. As vaccination is the most effective way to prevent Japanese encephalitis, people who live near or work in close proximity to pig farms or rice paddy fields that increase their risk of Japanese encephalitis infection are recommended to visit one of the hospitals under the Ministry of Health and Welfare for self-paid vaccination. In addition, Taiwan CDC also urges parents and caretakers of age-appropriate children who have not received the vaccine to get vaccinated as soon as possible at their local health center or designated medical institution to prevent infection and severe complications.
The primary vector of Japanese encephalitis is a species of mosquito, Culex tritaeniorhynchus. The vector mosquitoes are most active during dawn and dusk. Pigs act as the amplifying host for Japanese encephalitis. To prevent infection, avoid visiting vector-breeding sites such as pigpens at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active. When needing to visit mosquito-prone places, people are advised to wear light-colored, long-sleeved shirts and long pants, and apply officially approved mosquito repellent to exposed body parts to prevent mosquito bites and lower the risk of contracting Japanese encephalitis. For any questions or further information, please visit the Taiwan CDC?s website at http://www.cdc.gov.tw or call the toll-free Communicable Disease Reporting and Care Hotline, 1922 (or 0800-001922).
Last modified at 2015-06-12
Data from Division of Planning and Coordination
Taiwan CDC announces two additional Japanese encephalitis cases in southern Taiwan and urges public take personal precautions against mosquitoes and receive timely vaccination as Japanese encephalitis activity peaks ( 2015-06-22 )
On June 18, 2015, the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (Taiwan CDC) announced two new Japanese encephalitis cases and they respective are a 42-year-old and a 58-year-old males. According to the epidemiological investigation, the cases had not recently traveled overseas, but there are pig farms, pigeon farms and rice paddy fields within 2 km of the cases? residences. Hence, it is determined that the source of infection is somewhere around the case?s residence. Currently, none of the family members residing in the same households has experienced any symptoms. To prevent the further spread of the disease, the local health authorities has set up mosquito lamps around the residence of the confirmed cases as an attempt to capture vector mosquitoes, reinforced health education among residents who live near the confirmed cases as well as urged routine vaccination of age-appropriate children. As the Japanese encephalitis season has approached, Taiwan CDC urges the public to take precautions against mosquitoes and advises parents to have children vaccinated at local health bureaus and designated hospitals as soon as possible.
On June 4, the 42-year-old case sought medical attention after developing sore throat and mild cough. On the following day, his symptoms improved. However, on June 6, he developed lethargy. In the early morning of June 7, when he developed fever and unconsciousness, he was transferred to the intensive care unit. On the other hand, the 58-year-old case developed runny nose on June 6. In the evening of the next day, he developed fever. In the afternoon and evening of June 8, he sought medical attention at a clinic and a hospital. On June 9, when his fever persisted and he developed unconsciousness, he was hospitalized in the intensive care unit. Both cases were reported to the health authority by their hospital as a suspected Japanese encephalitis case. Infection with Japanese encephalitis was later confirmed in both cases. As of now, both cases are still hospitalized.
According to Taiwan CDC?s surveillance data, thus far this year, as of June 18, a total of three Japanese encephalitis cases have been confirmed and all of them occurred in southern Taiwan. Transmission of Japanese encephalitis in Taiwan occurs annually between May and October and it usually peaks between June and July. As severe cases may experience psychological or neurological sequelae, and even death, Taiwan CDC advises the public to take all the necessary precautions to prevent infection. Parents are urged to make sure their children receive the vaccine timely. People who live near or work in close proximity to pig farms or rice paddy fields that increase their risk of Japanese encephalitis infection are recommended to visit one of the hospitals under the Ministry of Health and Welfare for self-paid vaccination. In addition, Taiwan CDC also urges parents and caretakers of age-appropriate children who have not received the vaccine to get vaccinated as soon as possible at their local health center or designated medical institution to prevent infection and severe complications.
The primary vector of Japanese encephalitis is a species of mosquito, Culex tritaeniorhynchus, that breeds in rice paddy fields, ponds, and irrigation canals. The vector mosquitoes are most active during dawn and dusk. Pigs act as the amplifying host for Japanese encephalitis. To prevent infection, avoid visiting vector-breeding sites such as pigpens at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active. When needing to visit mosquito-prone places, people are advised to wear light-colored, long-sleeved shirts and long pants, and apply officially approved mosquito repellent to exposed body parts to prevent mosquito bites and lower the risk of contracting Japanese encephalitis. For any questions or further information, please visit the Taiwan CDC?s website at http://www.cdc.gov.tw or call the toll-free Communicable Disease Reporting and Care Hotline, 1922 (or 0800-001922).
Last modified at 2015-06-22
Data from Division of Planning and Coordination
As Japanese encephalitis activity peaks, Taiwan CDC urges public to take personal precautions against mosquito bites and receive timely vaccination( 2015-07-01 )
According to statistics compiled by the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (Taiwan CDC), during June 23 and 29, 2015, a total of 7 new Japanese encephalitis cases, including 5 in Tainan City and 2 in Yunlin County, were confirmed. Thus far this year, a cumulative total of 10 Japanese encephalitis cases were confirmed. During the same period last year, 9 cases were confirmed. Taiwan CDC urges that vaccination is the most effective way in preventing Japanese encephalitis. People who live near or work in close proximity to pig farms or rice paddy fields that increase their risk of Japanese encephalitis infection are recommended to visit one of the hospitals under the Ministry of Health and Welfare for self-paid vaccination. Parents are urged to ensure their children receive the vaccine timely to ward off infection.
The new five cases confirmed in Tainan City respectively reside in Xinshi District, Guantian District, Jiangjun District, Annan District, and Jiali District. The two new cases confirmed in Yunlin County both reside in Douliu City. The cases are aged between 42 and 59 and their onset dates range between June 4 and June 22. Their symptoms include fever and change of consciousness. As of now, all 7 cases are hospitalized for treatment. According to the epidemiological investigation, all 7 cases had not recently traveled overseas, but there are pig farms, pigeon farms and rice paddy fields within 2 km of the cases? residences. Hence, it is determined that the source of infection is somewhere around the case?s residence. Currently, none of the family members residing in the same households has experienced any symptoms. To prevent the further spread of the disease, the local health authorities has set up mosquito lamps around the residences of the confirmed cases as an attempt to capture vector mosquitoes, reinforced health education among residents who live near the confirmed cases as well as urged routine vaccination of age-appropriate children.
According to Taiwan CDC?s surveillance data, transmission of Japanese encephalitis in Taiwan occurs annually between May and October and it usually peaks between June and July. During 2010 and 2015, the majority of the cases are reported in central and southern Taiwan and most of them are male (63.4%). People of all ages can become infected. People aged between 30 and 59 are at increased risk for infection. The primary vector of Japanese encephalitis is mosquito. The vector mosquitoes are most active during dawn and dusk. Pigs act as the amplifying host for Japanese encephalitis. To prevent infection, avoid visiting vector-breeding sites such as pigpens at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active. When needing to visit mosquito-prone places, people are advised to wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, and apply mosquito repellent to exposed body parts to prevent mosquito bites and lower the risk of contracting Japanese encephalitis.
As severe cases may experience psychological or neurological sequelae, and even death, Taiwan CDC advises the public to take all the necessary precautions to prevent infection. Parents are reminded to make sure their children receive the vaccine timely. In addition, free Japanese encephalitis vaccination is being offered to adults who reside and work near at-risk areas such as pig farms and rice paddy fields. People who are eligible can receive the vaccine at local health centers. For any questions or further information, please visit the Taiwan CDC?s website at http://www.cdc.gov.tw or call the toll-free Communicable Disease Reporting and Care Hotline, 1922 (or 0800-001922).
Last modified at 2015-07-08
Data from Division of Planning and Coordination
Taiwan CDC announces 5 additional Japanese encephalitis cases and urges public receive timely vaccination and take personal precautions against mosquitoes ( 2015-07-08 )
According to statistics compiled by the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (Taiwan CDC), during June 30 and July 6, 2015, a total of 5 new Japanese encephalitis cases, including 1 in New Taipei City, Miaoli County, Chiayi County, Tainan City and Kaohsiung City, respectively, were confirmed. Thus far this year, a cumulative total of 15 Japanese encephalitis cases were confirmed and the majority of them were confirmed in southern Taiwan. As Japanese encephalitis activity has peaked, Taiwan CDC urges the public to take precautions against mosquito bites and ensure children receive the vaccine timely in order to ward off infection.
The newly confirmed five cases are aged between 48 and 70 and their onset dates range between June 11 and 29. Their symptoms include fever and change of consciousness. As of now, 2 cases are hospitalized in the general ward and 3 are hospitalized in the intensive care unit for treatment. According to the epidemiological investigation, 4 cases live or work within 2km to pig farms, pigeon farms, rice paddy fields, ponds or ditches. Hence, it is determined that the source of infection is somewhere around the cases? residences. Currently, none of the family members residing in the same households has experienced any symptoms. On the other hand, the case who resides in New Taipei City lives in proximity to a pig farm and has visited a place in southern Taiwan where cases have been confirmed. The source of this case?s infection is still under investigation.
According to Taiwan CDC?s surveillance data, transmission of Japanese encephalitis in Taiwan occurs annually between May and October and it usually peaks between June and July. During 2010 and 2015, the majority of the cases are reported in central and southern Taiwan and most of them are male (62.5%). People of all ages can become infected. People aged between 30 and 59 are at increased risk for infection. The primary vector of Japanese encephalitis is mosquito. The vector mosquitoes are most active during dawn and dusk. Pigs act as the amplifying host for Japanese encephalitis. To prevent infection, avoid visiting vector-breeding sites such as pigpens at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active. When needing to visit mosquito-prone places, people are advised to wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, and apply officially approved mosquito repellent to exposed body parts to prevent mosquito bites and lower the risk of contracting Japanese encephalitis.
As severe cases may experience psychological or neurological sequelae, and even death, Taiwan CDC advises the public to take all the necessary precautions to prevent infection. Parents are reminded to make sure their children receive the vaccine timely. In addition, free Japanese encephalitis vaccination is being offered to adults who reside and work near at-risk areas such as pig farms and rice paddy fields. People who are eligible can receive the vaccine at local health centers. For any questions or further information, please visit the Taiwan CDC?s website at http://www.cdc.gov.tw or call the toll-free Communicable Disease Reporting and Care Hotline, 1922 (or 0800-001922).
Last modified at 2015-07-08
Data from Division of Planning and Coordination
Central News Agency
2015-07-15 11:54 AM
Taipei, July 15 (CNA) There have been 19 Japanese encephalitis cases in Taiwan so far this year as of July 11, already exceeding the number of cases seen in both 2013 and 2014, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) said Wednesday. Four Japanese encephalitis cases were confirmed during the week of July 5-11 in Taichung City and Nantou County in central Taiwan and Yunlin County and Pingtung County in southern Taiwan, the CDC said. Those infections brought the total number of cases to the highest level since 2012. According to the CDC, there were 33 Japanese encephalitis cases in all of 2010, 22 in 2011, 32 in 2012, 16 in 2013 and 18 in 2014.
...
Previous cases...
Taiwan CDC announces this year?s first Japanese encephalitis case in housewife and urges public take personal precautions against mosquitoes and receive timely vaccination ( 2015-06-12 )
On June 11, 2015, the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (Taiwan CDC) announced this year?s first case of Japanese encephalitis in a 31-year-old housewife who resides in southern Taiwan. On June 2, she sought medical attention at a clinic after developing headache and fever. On June 4, when her symptoms persisted and she began to develop dizziness and vomiting, she sought medical attention at a hospital and was hospitalized in the intensive care unit. After the hospital reported her to the health authority as a suspected Japanese encephalitis case, infection was confirmed in the case on June 10. As of now, the case is still unconscious and hospitalized.
According to the epidemiological investigation, the case had not recently traveled overseas, but there are pig farms, pigeon farms and rice paddy fields within 2 km of the case?s residence. Hence, it is determined that the source of infection is somewhere around the case?s residence. Currently, none of the family members residing in the same household has experienced any symptoms. To prevent the further spread of the disease, the local health authorities has set up mosquito lamps around the residence of the confirmed cases as an attempt to capture vector mosquitoes, reinforced health education among residents who live near the confirmed cases as well as urged routine vaccination of age-appropriate children. As the Japanese encephalitis season has approached, Taiwan CDC urges the public to take precautions against mosquitoes and advises parents to have children vaccinated at local health bureaus and designated hospitals as soon as possible.
According to Taiwan CDC?s surveillance data, transmission of Japanese encephalitis in Taiwan occurs annually between May and October and it usually peaks between June and July. Thus far this year, as of June 10, one Japanese encephalitis case has been confirmed in Taiwan. During 2010 and 2014, the total numbers of confirmed Japanese encephalitis cases respectively are 33, 22, 32, 16 and 18. People of all ages can become infected. People aged between 30 and 59 are at increased risk for infection. The surveillance data also shows that most cases are reported in central and southern Taiwan. As vaccination is the most effective way to prevent Japanese encephalitis, people who live near or work in close proximity to pig farms or rice paddy fields that increase their risk of Japanese encephalitis infection are recommended to visit one of the hospitals under the Ministry of Health and Welfare for self-paid vaccination. In addition, Taiwan CDC also urges parents and caretakers of age-appropriate children who have not received the vaccine to get vaccinated as soon as possible at their local health center or designated medical institution to prevent infection and severe complications.
The primary vector of Japanese encephalitis is a species of mosquito, Culex tritaeniorhynchus. The vector mosquitoes are most active during dawn and dusk. Pigs act as the amplifying host for Japanese encephalitis. To prevent infection, avoid visiting vector-breeding sites such as pigpens at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active. When needing to visit mosquito-prone places, people are advised to wear light-colored, long-sleeved shirts and long pants, and apply officially approved mosquito repellent to exposed body parts to prevent mosquito bites and lower the risk of contracting Japanese encephalitis. For any questions or further information, please visit the Taiwan CDC?s website at http://www.cdc.gov.tw or call the toll-free Communicable Disease Reporting and Care Hotline, 1922 (or 0800-001922).
Last modified at 2015-06-12
Data from Division of Planning and Coordination
Taiwan CDC announces two additional Japanese encephalitis cases in southern Taiwan and urges public take personal precautions against mosquitoes and receive timely vaccination as Japanese encephalitis activity peaks ( 2015-06-22 )
On June 18, 2015, the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (Taiwan CDC) announced two new Japanese encephalitis cases and they respective are a 42-year-old and a 58-year-old males. According to the epidemiological investigation, the cases had not recently traveled overseas, but there are pig farms, pigeon farms and rice paddy fields within 2 km of the cases? residences. Hence, it is determined that the source of infection is somewhere around the case?s residence. Currently, none of the family members residing in the same households has experienced any symptoms. To prevent the further spread of the disease, the local health authorities has set up mosquito lamps around the residence of the confirmed cases as an attempt to capture vector mosquitoes, reinforced health education among residents who live near the confirmed cases as well as urged routine vaccination of age-appropriate children. As the Japanese encephalitis season has approached, Taiwan CDC urges the public to take precautions against mosquitoes and advises parents to have children vaccinated at local health bureaus and designated hospitals as soon as possible.
On June 4, the 42-year-old case sought medical attention after developing sore throat and mild cough. On the following day, his symptoms improved. However, on June 6, he developed lethargy. In the early morning of June 7, when he developed fever and unconsciousness, he was transferred to the intensive care unit. On the other hand, the 58-year-old case developed runny nose on June 6. In the evening of the next day, he developed fever. In the afternoon and evening of June 8, he sought medical attention at a clinic and a hospital. On June 9, when his fever persisted and he developed unconsciousness, he was hospitalized in the intensive care unit. Both cases were reported to the health authority by their hospital as a suspected Japanese encephalitis case. Infection with Japanese encephalitis was later confirmed in both cases. As of now, both cases are still hospitalized.
According to Taiwan CDC?s surveillance data, thus far this year, as of June 18, a total of three Japanese encephalitis cases have been confirmed and all of them occurred in southern Taiwan. Transmission of Japanese encephalitis in Taiwan occurs annually between May and October and it usually peaks between June and July. As severe cases may experience psychological or neurological sequelae, and even death, Taiwan CDC advises the public to take all the necessary precautions to prevent infection. Parents are urged to make sure their children receive the vaccine timely. People who live near or work in close proximity to pig farms or rice paddy fields that increase their risk of Japanese encephalitis infection are recommended to visit one of the hospitals under the Ministry of Health and Welfare for self-paid vaccination. In addition, Taiwan CDC also urges parents and caretakers of age-appropriate children who have not received the vaccine to get vaccinated as soon as possible at their local health center or designated medical institution to prevent infection and severe complications.
The primary vector of Japanese encephalitis is a species of mosquito, Culex tritaeniorhynchus, that breeds in rice paddy fields, ponds, and irrigation canals. The vector mosquitoes are most active during dawn and dusk. Pigs act as the amplifying host for Japanese encephalitis. To prevent infection, avoid visiting vector-breeding sites such as pigpens at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active. When needing to visit mosquito-prone places, people are advised to wear light-colored, long-sleeved shirts and long pants, and apply officially approved mosquito repellent to exposed body parts to prevent mosquito bites and lower the risk of contracting Japanese encephalitis. For any questions or further information, please visit the Taiwan CDC?s website at http://www.cdc.gov.tw or call the toll-free Communicable Disease Reporting and Care Hotline, 1922 (or 0800-001922).
Last modified at 2015-06-22
Data from Division of Planning and Coordination
As Japanese encephalitis activity peaks, Taiwan CDC urges public to take personal precautions against mosquito bites and receive timely vaccination( 2015-07-01 )
According to statistics compiled by the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (Taiwan CDC), during June 23 and 29, 2015, a total of 7 new Japanese encephalitis cases, including 5 in Tainan City and 2 in Yunlin County, were confirmed. Thus far this year, a cumulative total of 10 Japanese encephalitis cases were confirmed. During the same period last year, 9 cases were confirmed. Taiwan CDC urges that vaccination is the most effective way in preventing Japanese encephalitis. People who live near or work in close proximity to pig farms or rice paddy fields that increase their risk of Japanese encephalitis infection are recommended to visit one of the hospitals under the Ministry of Health and Welfare for self-paid vaccination. Parents are urged to ensure their children receive the vaccine timely to ward off infection.
The new five cases confirmed in Tainan City respectively reside in Xinshi District, Guantian District, Jiangjun District, Annan District, and Jiali District. The two new cases confirmed in Yunlin County both reside in Douliu City. The cases are aged between 42 and 59 and their onset dates range between June 4 and June 22. Their symptoms include fever and change of consciousness. As of now, all 7 cases are hospitalized for treatment. According to the epidemiological investigation, all 7 cases had not recently traveled overseas, but there are pig farms, pigeon farms and rice paddy fields within 2 km of the cases? residences. Hence, it is determined that the source of infection is somewhere around the case?s residence. Currently, none of the family members residing in the same households has experienced any symptoms. To prevent the further spread of the disease, the local health authorities has set up mosquito lamps around the residences of the confirmed cases as an attempt to capture vector mosquitoes, reinforced health education among residents who live near the confirmed cases as well as urged routine vaccination of age-appropriate children.
According to Taiwan CDC?s surveillance data, transmission of Japanese encephalitis in Taiwan occurs annually between May and October and it usually peaks between June and July. During 2010 and 2015, the majority of the cases are reported in central and southern Taiwan and most of them are male (63.4%). People of all ages can become infected. People aged between 30 and 59 are at increased risk for infection. The primary vector of Japanese encephalitis is mosquito. The vector mosquitoes are most active during dawn and dusk. Pigs act as the amplifying host for Japanese encephalitis. To prevent infection, avoid visiting vector-breeding sites such as pigpens at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active. When needing to visit mosquito-prone places, people are advised to wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, and apply mosquito repellent to exposed body parts to prevent mosquito bites and lower the risk of contracting Japanese encephalitis.
As severe cases may experience psychological or neurological sequelae, and even death, Taiwan CDC advises the public to take all the necessary precautions to prevent infection. Parents are reminded to make sure their children receive the vaccine timely. In addition, free Japanese encephalitis vaccination is being offered to adults who reside and work near at-risk areas such as pig farms and rice paddy fields. People who are eligible can receive the vaccine at local health centers. For any questions or further information, please visit the Taiwan CDC?s website at http://www.cdc.gov.tw or call the toll-free Communicable Disease Reporting and Care Hotline, 1922 (or 0800-001922).
Last modified at 2015-07-08
Data from Division of Planning and Coordination
Taiwan CDC announces 5 additional Japanese encephalitis cases and urges public receive timely vaccination and take personal precautions against mosquitoes ( 2015-07-08 )
According to statistics compiled by the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (Taiwan CDC), during June 30 and July 6, 2015, a total of 5 new Japanese encephalitis cases, including 1 in New Taipei City, Miaoli County, Chiayi County, Tainan City and Kaohsiung City, respectively, were confirmed. Thus far this year, a cumulative total of 15 Japanese encephalitis cases were confirmed and the majority of them were confirmed in southern Taiwan. As Japanese encephalitis activity has peaked, Taiwan CDC urges the public to take precautions against mosquito bites and ensure children receive the vaccine timely in order to ward off infection.
The newly confirmed five cases are aged between 48 and 70 and their onset dates range between June 11 and 29. Their symptoms include fever and change of consciousness. As of now, 2 cases are hospitalized in the general ward and 3 are hospitalized in the intensive care unit for treatment. According to the epidemiological investigation, 4 cases live or work within 2km to pig farms, pigeon farms, rice paddy fields, ponds or ditches. Hence, it is determined that the source of infection is somewhere around the cases? residences. Currently, none of the family members residing in the same households has experienced any symptoms. On the other hand, the case who resides in New Taipei City lives in proximity to a pig farm and has visited a place in southern Taiwan where cases have been confirmed. The source of this case?s infection is still under investigation.
According to Taiwan CDC?s surveillance data, transmission of Japanese encephalitis in Taiwan occurs annually between May and October and it usually peaks between June and July. During 2010 and 2015, the majority of the cases are reported in central and southern Taiwan and most of them are male (62.5%). People of all ages can become infected. People aged between 30 and 59 are at increased risk for infection. The primary vector of Japanese encephalitis is mosquito. The vector mosquitoes are most active during dawn and dusk. Pigs act as the amplifying host for Japanese encephalitis. To prevent infection, avoid visiting vector-breeding sites such as pigpens at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active. When needing to visit mosquito-prone places, people are advised to wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, and apply officially approved mosquito repellent to exposed body parts to prevent mosquito bites and lower the risk of contracting Japanese encephalitis.
As severe cases may experience psychological or neurological sequelae, and even death, Taiwan CDC advises the public to take all the necessary precautions to prevent infection. Parents are reminded to make sure their children receive the vaccine timely. In addition, free Japanese encephalitis vaccination is being offered to adults who reside and work near at-risk areas such as pig farms and rice paddy fields. People who are eligible can receive the vaccine at local health centers. For any questions or further information, please visit the Taiwan CDC?s website at http://www.cdc.gov.tw or call the toll-free Communicable Disease Reporting and Care Hotline, 1922 (or 0800-001922).
Last modified at 2015-07-08
Data from Division of Planning and Coordination