According to statistics compiled by the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (Taiwan CDC), during July 14 and 20, 2015, a total of 2 new Japanese encephalitis cases were confirmed and both of them reside in Taoyuan Ciy. Thus far this year, a cumulative total of 21 Japanese encephalitis cases have been 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. 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.

The newly confirmed two cases are a 57-yaer-old female and a 59-year-old male and their onset dates respectively are July 2 and July 8. Their symptoms include fever and change of consciousness. Infection with Japanese encephalitis was confirmed in the two of them after the hospitals reported the cases to the health authority. As of now, they are hospitalized for treatment. According to the epidemiological investigation, the two cases live or work within 2km to pig farms, pigeon farms, rice paddy fields, or creeks. Hence, it is determined that the source of infection is somewhere around the cases’ residences and the places they visited (Chiayi and Pingtung). Currently, none of the family members residing in the same households has experienced any symptoms. One of the cases has visited a place in southern Taiwan where cases have been confirmed and the people who were on the same trip with the case are being investigated. 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 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 (62.7%). 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).