The Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recently stated that the number of acute viral hepatitis A cases in Taiwan has been on the rise since March 2025 and has not yet slowed down.
According to data from the CDC, there were a total of 477 confirmed cases of acute hepatitis A in 2025, including 447 locally transmitted cases and 30 imported cases. The number of locally transmitted cases was the highest in the past nine years (2017-2025), with males accounting for 82.8% of the cases. The largest age group was 30-39 years old (36.2%), followed by 20-29 years old (28.4%). The majority of locally transmitted cases occurred between July and November, with 50-65 cases per month.
The CDC explains that hepatitis A is mainly transmitted through the fecal-oral route. Infection can occur through consuming contaminated food or through close contact with an infected person. The incubation period is 15 to 50 days, with an average of 28 to 30 days. Symptoms include fever, general malaise, loss of appetite, abdominal discomfort, and jaundice. Disease severity increases with age, but lifelong immunity is granted after recovery. The mortality rate of hepatitis A is approximately 0.1% to 0.3%. Elderly individuals or those with chronic liver disease are at higher risk of developing fulminant hepatitis and dying.
Hepatitis A and the Hep A vaccine
To reduce the risk of hepatitis A transmission, the CDC provides eligible contacts of confirmed cases with a free hepatitis A vaccine dose administered within 14 days of their last contact during the infectious period. The public is urged to cooperate with health authorities in epidemiological investigations and ensure timely vaccination to control the epidemic. The public is also encouraged to maintain good dietary and personal hygiene habits, using serving utensils when dining together; thoroughly washing hands with soap and water before and after sexual activity; and avoiding unsafe sexual practices. Furthermore, vaccination is the most effective way to prevent hepatitis A. One dose of the vaccine provides over 90% protection for 3 to 5 years. Completing the two-dose vaccination series provides immunity that can last for over 20 years. Individuals who are traveling abroad or have a higher risk of exposure are advised to proactively and at their own expense receive two doses of the hepatitis A vaccine (6-12 months apart) to reduce the risk of infection.