Investigation of Japanese Encephalitis Cases in Changhua County, 2022

Shih-Kuei Huang^*, Kung-Ching Wang, Shiu-Chuan Lin, Ching-Fen Ko, Jhy-Wen Wu

2024 Vol.40 No.11

Correspondence Author： Shih-Kuei Huang^*

Abstract：

        In July 2022, two cases of Japanese encephalitis were confirmed in Changhua County. The cases lived in Huatan Township and Changhua City, approximately 1 kilometer apart. Initial investigations revealed temporal and geographical correlations between the two cases. Further investigations identified high-risk sites near the residences of confirmed cases, including two pig farms and one pigeon loft. However, the infection sources could not be identified because onsite mosquito collection did not yield mosquitos carrying the Japanese encephalitis virus. As a result, we concluded that the cases were sporadic. The times from onset of symptoms to notification for the two cases were 10 days and 17 days, respectively. Although the delayed diagnosis and notification to the public health department may partly be due to changes in people’s behavior toward seeking medical care during the COVID-19 pandemic, we still recommend that, to increase awareness of Japanese encephalitis,  public health authorities issue press releases, organize continuing medical education, and remind medical institutions of Japanese encephalitis when conducting institutional dengue fever assessments. Furthermore, medical associations could also inform their members about the disease.

Keywords：Japanese Encephalitis, pig farm, investigation