Japanese Encephalitis in Taiwan

18 Jul 2017

On 17 July 2017 the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control confirmed two cases of  Japanese encephalitis Nantou County and Hualien County. One case was became unwell in Nantou County on 2 July. The other case became unwell on July 7 in Hualien County. Neither individual was vaccinated against Japanese encephalitis and both remain in hospital.

Sixteen cases of  Japanese encephalitis have been confirmed in Taiwan to 17 July 2017. Of these, 3 were in Kaohsiung City, 3 in Changhua County, 2 in Pingtung County, 2 in Taoyuan City, 2 in Chiayi County, 1 in Tainan City, 1 in New Taipei City, 1 in Nantou County and 1 in Hualien County.

Advice for Travellers

Japanese encephalitis is a mosquito-borne infection. Vaccine is recommended for certain travellers considered to be at risk, particularly during the high risk season. Travellers should also take steps to avoid mosquito bites.

For further information see Japanese Encephalitis.