Taiwan: 12 cases of Japanese encephalitis as of mid-June /update 2

Event

The Taiwan Centers for Disease Control confirmed 12 cases of Japanese encephalitis (JE) as of mid-June, with the most affected areas reported to be Kaohsiung City, Tainan City, Chiayi County, Changhua County, and Taichung City. Authorities have advised people to take measures to protect themselves against mosquito bites, which is how JE spreads. Public health measures - including efforts to destroy mosquito breeding grounds - are expected in Taiwan in the coming days and weeks.

Context

Encephalitis is typically 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).