Investigation of A Japanese Encephalitis cluster in Linyuan District, Kaohsiung City, 2018

DOI: 10.6525/TEB.201907_35(13).0002

Chien-Tai Yu^*, Yu-Zhu Wang, Hui-Chen Lin, Min-Nan Hung, Chiou-Yueh You

2019 Vol.35 NO.13

Correspondence Author： Chien-Tai Yu^*

Abstract：

      On May 22, 2018, a 48-year-old male living in Linyuan District was diagnosed of Japanese encephalitis. As of June 7, there were 3 additional confirmed cases of Japanese encephalitis in Linyuan District, who all lived either in the Wanggong village or Zhongcuo village. A Japanese encephalitis cluster was confirmed because of the epidemiological link. In response to the cluster, the local health department expanded the scope of hanging bug zappers and sprayed Bacillus thuringiensis in rice fields. Besides reinforcing the routine Japanese encephalitis vaccination for the children, a mass vaccination campaign was launched for adults older than 50 years old in the district. Furthermore, it was also required that all pigs in this district with age eligible to vaccination be fully vaccinated. We recommended that health education to the public in endemic regions should be carried out in collaboration with general practitioner and travel medicine specialists before peak seasons, in order to raise awareness of the public and achieve the target of disease prevention and control.