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).