Taiwan reports year's 1st indigenous Dengue fever case, adds 3 Japanese encephalitis infections

台灣傳出今年首例本土登革熱病例，感染日本腦炎增加3例

Local health authorities trying to identify cause of infection for 1st local Dengue fever case


TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan's health authorities reported three new Japanese encephalitis cases on Tuesday (July 21), bringing the total to 16 this year; meanwhile, the year's first indigenous Dengue fever case was recorded in Taoyuan.

The three patients are a man in his 60s from Zhongli District in Taoyuan City, a woman in her 30s from Xinzhuang District in New Taipei City, and a man in his 50s from Wuchi District in Taichung. They began displaying symptoms of fever, dizziness, headache, and altered consciousness on June 28, July 7, and July 8, respectively, before going to the hospital.

The two patients in northern Taiwan remain hospitalized, the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (CDC) said.

Among the 16 infected nationwide this year with Japanese encephalitis, four have been recorded in Taoyuan City, and two each in New Taipei City, Taichung City, Changhua County, Kaohsiung City, and Pingtung City. Chiayi County and Tainan City have both recorded one case.

The Japanese encephalitis season lasts from May to October in Taiwan, with the most cases reported between June and July. It is the most common vaccine-preventable viral infection spread through mosquito bites in Asia and the Western Pacific; nevertheless, a small percentage of those who do become infected exhibit severe symptoms such as the sudden onset of headaches, high fevers, disorientation, comas, tremors, and convulsions.

The first indigenous case of Dengue Fever reported in northern Taiwan is perhaps more alarming. The Dengue fever patient, who is 20 and living in Taoyuan, has no recent overseas travel history. The person began to develop symptoms of fever and rash in mid-July.

Local health authorities are trying to identify the cause of the infections. Disinfection efforts are underway.

There have been 56 imported cases this year, which is relatively low compared to the same period in previous years thanks to worldwide COVID-19 travel restrictions.