On February 25, 2014, the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (Taiwan CDC) announced this year’s first case of hantavirus hemorrhagic fever. The case is a 62-year-old male who resides in southern Taiwan and works in the agriculture industry. On February 3, the case developed fever and dizziness. On February 6, when he experienced headache, rash, fatigue, diarrhea, abdominal pain, decreased urination and tea-colored urine, he sought medical attention at the emergency department of a hospital and was then hospitalized for treatment. Subsequently, he developed decreased kidney function, pleural effusion and shortness of breath. On February 24, infection with hantavirus was confirmed in the case. After administering appropriate treatment, the case has fully recovered and been discharged from the hospital. As of now, none of the family members residing in the same household and people who work closely with the case has developed suspected symptoms. The local health authority has caught rats around the case’s residence and work location, which will be tested for hantavirus. In addition, the local health authority has implemented a number of rodent control measures around both places to reduce the risk of further transmission.

Hantavirus hemorrhagic fever is a zoonosis caused by hantaviruses. Rodents are the natural reservoir for hantaviruses and the virus is transmitted from infected rodents to humans by inhalation of aerosolized particles from rodent excreta or a bite from infected rodents. The incubation period ranges from a couple of days to two months. The virus does not spread between humans. Symptoms usually include fever, headache, fatigue, abdominal pain, lower back pain, nausea, vomiting, varying degrees of hemorrhagic manifestations and kidney involvement. According to the surveillance statistics during 2001 and 2013, a total of 12 cases of hantavirus hemorrhagic fever were confirmed. Based on the results of a study on the most common and widespread rodent-borne diseases in the 5 metropolitan areas in Taiwan, residents who live close to and work staff at traditional markets and night markets are at increased risk of contracting hantavirus.

As rodent control in and around the home remains the primary prevention strategy, Taiwan CDC urges the public to create a mouse-free environment by maintaining good household hygiene and by carrying out deratting measures when necessary. Individuals should avoid contact with rodent droppings, urine, saliva, and nesting materials. Closed storage sheds and cabins are often ideal sites for rodent infestations. While cleaning up rodent droppings and urine, spray the droppings and urine with a disinfectant or a mixture of bleach and water and let the excreta soak in the disinfectant or bleach solution for 30 minutes before disposing of the waste in the garbage. For any questions or further information, please contact the local health bureau or call the toll-free Communicable Disease Reporting and Care Hotline, 1922, or 0800-001922 if calling from a cell phone.