Taiwan reports 1st local measles case since September 2022
The Taiwan Department of Disease Control (CDC) reported today on the first locally acquired measles case of 2024.
The patient is a male in his 30s who developed a fever on February 12 and went to the hospital emergency room because the fever did not subside the next day.
After returning home, he continued to have a fever accompanied by symptoms such as cough and sore throat. On February 15, he developed a fever and a rash. After going to the hospital for emergency treatment again, he was confirmed positive for measles.
Since the case had no history of traveling abroad during the period of exposure, it was determined to be the first domestic infection case this year, and the possible source of infection is under investigation.
The CDC stated that the contacts currently known to include 4 family members who live together, 2 family members who do not live together, and 193 medical contacts, a total of 199 people, who will be monitored until March 4 at the latest.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stated that since 2020, there have been a total of 4 measles cases in Taiwan, ranging in age from 20 to 30 years old. 2 cases are local cases and 2 cases are imported cases (the infected countries are Thailand and Turkey, 1 case each). The most recent local case was diagnosed in September 2022.
Measles is caused by a highly contagious virus that spreads through the air by direct contact with infectious droplets or by airborne spread when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. The measles virus can live for up to two hours in an airspace after an infected person leaves an area.
People can spread measles up to four days before and four days after a rash.
Signs and symptoms of measles include maculopapular rash, high fever, and a cough, runny nose, or red, watery eyes.
Measles can be severe in all age groups and can lead to serious complications, such as pneumonia (infection of the lungs) and death. Several groups are more likely to suffer from measles complications, including children younger than five years of age, adults older than 20 years of age, pregnant women, and people with compromised immune systems, such as from leukemia or HIV infection. Common complications are ear infections and diarrhea. Serious complications include pneumonia and encephalitis (infection of the brain).
Vaccination with a measles-containing vaccine is the best way to make sure that you are protected.