Taiwan: First case of Japanese encephalitis reported May 21

Event

On May 21, the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control confirmed one case of Japanese encephalitis (JE) - the first case reported in Taiwan in 2018. According to local sources, the patient contracted JE in Pingtung county, and started to develop symptoms on May 14. Public health measures - including efforts to destroy mosquito breeding grounds - are expected to be implemented in Taiwan in the coming days and weeks.

Context

Typical encephalitis is spread via mosquito bite, with symptoms including headache, fever, aches in muscles or joints, fatigue, or weakness. The symptoms of the more serious Japanese encephalitis include fever, headache, vomiting, confusion, difficulty moving, swelling around the brain, and coma. Symptoms typically develop five to 15 days after infection.

Advice

Individuals are advised to take measures to protect themselves from mosquito bites (e.g. by wearing covering clothing, using insect repellent, and sleeping under mosquito netting or in an air-conditioned room).