[Life] Japanese encephalitis epidemic peaks, 3-month-old female infant confirmed as the youngest case in history
bellala 央廣7h agoEdited
The Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) announced today (16th) the second confirmed case of Japanese encephalitis this year. It is a female infant in Hualien City, Hualien County, who has just turned 3 months old, making her the youngest case in Taiwan's history. July and August are the peak seasons for Japanese encephalitis in Taiwan. Epidemic Prevention Physician Lin Yong-ching reminds the public that less than 1% of infected individuals will show symptoms, but if symptoms are severe, the mortality rate can reach 20-30%. The public should remain vigilant.
#Reported by Liu Pin-hsi, Radio Taiwan International#
The CECC announced on the 16th that a new case of Japanese encephalitis has been reported domestically. It is a female infant in Hualien City, Hualien County, who has just turned 3 months old. She has not yet reached the age for Japanese encephalitis vaccination, has no history of domestic or international travel, and no congenital diseases. This is also the youngest case of Japanese encephalitis in Taiwan's history.
The infant developed symptoms such as fever and lethargy in late May. She sought medical attention at the emergency department and was hospitalized. During her hospitalization, she continued to experience high fever and epileptic seizures. It was suspected to be acute disseminated encephalomyelitis. After reporting for Japanese encephalitis and testing positive, she has been hospitalized for nearly 3 weeks and is currently receiving treatment in the intensive care unit. The infant has suspected mosquito bite marks. Her family members living with her show no similar symptoms. There are no pigsties, rice paddies, or other high-risk areas near the infant's residence. The source of infection is yet to be determined, and health authorities are continuing their epidemiological investigation.
According to CECC statistics, there have been a total of 2 confirmed cases of Japanese encephalitis this year, which is lower than the same period in 2023 and 2024. CECC spokesperson Sophia Hsu stated that the Japanese encephalitis season in Taiwan is from May to October each year, with June and July being the peak months. Cases can occur in all counties and cities across Taiwan. Most cases are adults over 40 years old, but individuals of all ages are at risk of infection. The public is reminded to remain vigilant.
CECC epidemic prevention physician Lin Yong-ching said that the primary vectors for Japanese encephalitis in Taiwan are Culex tritaeniorhynchus, Culex annulus, and Culex bitaeniorhynchus, which often breed in rice paddies, ponds, and irrigation ditches. Their peak biting times are dusk and dawn. Most people infected with Japanese encephalitis have no obvious symptoms. Those who develop symptoms may experience headache and fever. Severe cases can lead to altered consciousness, inability to recognize time and place, general weakness, or even coma or death. He said: "(Original sound) Only less than 1% of infected individuals may develop clinical symptoms such as headache and fever, but a very small number, if severe, may experience altered consciousness, general weakness, high fever, confusion, or even coma or death. If these severe symptoms occur, the mortality rate can be 20% to 30%. Even for survivors, there is a certain possibility of neurological sequelae."
Lin Yong-ching emphasized that the most effective way to prevent Japanese encephalitis is to get vaccinated. The routine vaccination schedule for infants in Taiwan is the first dose at 15 months of age, followed by the second dose 12 months later. He reminds the public to take their eligible children for vaccination on time to avoid severe sequelae from infection. Additionally, individuals living or working near high-risk environments such as pigsties and rice paddies, or those planning to travel to endemic areas, can also consider getting vaccinated at their own expense.
Source Link: https://www.rti.org.tw/news?uid=3&pid=214832
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