According to statistics compiled by the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (Taiwan CDC), during June 30 and July 6, 2015, a total of 5 new Japanese encephalitis cases, including 1 in New Taipei City, Miaoli County, Chiayi County, Tainan City and Kaohsiung City, respectively, were confirmed. Thus far this year, a cumulative total of 15 Japanese encephalitis cases were 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.

The newly confirmed five cases are aged between 48 and 70 and their onset dates range between June 11 and 29. Their symptoms include fever and change of consciousness. As of now, 2 cases are hospitalized in the general ward and 3 are hospitalized in the intensive care unit for treatment. According to the epidemiological investigation, 4 cases live or work within 2km to pig farms, pigeon farms, rice paddy fields, ponds or ditches. Hence, it is determined that the source of infection is somewhere around the cases’ residences. Currently, none of the family members residing in the same households has experienced any symptoms. On the other hand, the case who resides in New Taipei City lives in proximity to a pig farm and has visited a place in southern Taiwan where cases have been confirmed. The source of this case’s infection is still under investigation.

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 (62.5%). 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).