On June 5, 2018, the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (Taiwan CDC) confirmed 2 additional Japanese encephalitis cases. To prevent the further spread of the disease, the local health authorities have set up mosquito lamps around the residence of the confirmed cases and the places they frequented as an attempt to capture vector mosquitoes and reinforced health education among residents who live near the confirmed cases as well as urged routine vaccination of age-appropriate children and at-risk individuals. As the Japanese encephalitis season has arrived, Taiwan CDC advises people who frequent mosquito-prone areas such as pig farms and rice paddy fields to take precautions against mosquito bites and ensure age-appropriate children receive Japanese encephalitis vaccination in a timely manner in order to ward off infection.

The two new cases respectively are an over 30-year-old male who resides in Linyuan District, Kaohsiung City and an over 50-year-old male who resides in Shuishang Township, Chiayi County. On May 27 and 28, they respectively developed symptoms and sought medical attention. Infection with Japanese encephalitis was confirmed in both cases. The residence of the case residing in Linyuan District, Kaohsiung City is close to the residences of the other 2 previously confirmed cases. Hence, it is determined that his source of infection is around his residence. On the other hand, the case residing in Shuishang Township, Chiayi County is a farmer. Although there are no pig farms, rice paddy fields and poultry farms around his residence, there are poultry activities and irrigation canals around where he works at. Therefore, it is determined that his source of infection is around is his work place. Currently, both 2 cases are still hospitalized for treatment. Their conditions are stable and both of them are conscious. In addition, none of their close contacts residing in the same household has developed suspected symptoms.

Thus far this year, as June 5, 2018, a total of 5 Japanese encephalitis cases, including 3 in Kaohsiung City, 1 in Chiayi County and 1 in Pingtung County, have been confirmed in Taiwan. All 5 cases live in a high risk environment where there are vector breeding sites nearby. During the same period last year, 3 cases were confirmed. 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 children who aged 15 months and above and have not received the vaccine to get vaccinated as soon as possible at their local health center or contracted healthcare facilities to prevent infection and severe complications.

The primary vector of Japanese encephalitis is a species of mosquito, Culex tritaeniorhynchus, which breeds in rice paddy fields, ponds, and irrigation canals. 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 more information, please visit the Taiwan CDC’s website at https://www.cdc.gov.tw or call the toll-free Communicable Disease Reporting and Care Hotline, 1922 (or 0800-001922).