In a follow-up from Taiwan, the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (CDC) announced the confirmation of three new cases of Japanese encephalitis (JE) —one each in Guanyin District of Taoyuan City, Taoyuan District of Taoyuan City, and Huatan Township of Changhua County.
They are two men and one woman, all over 70 years old. Their onset dates ranged from June 13 to June 18, 2026. Symptoms included dizziness, headache, diarrhea, fever, general malaise and weakness, slurred speech, and altered consciousness. After seeking medical attention and undergoing testing, they were diagnosed with Japanese encephalitis and are currently hospitalized. An investigation by health authorities revealed that all three cases reside near high-risk areas such as rice paddies, pigeon lofts, and pigsties.
This brings the total JE cases in Taiwan to five in 2026.
Japanese encephalitis with Dr. Melvin Sanicas
The CDC stated that the mosquitoes that transmit Japanese encephalitis in Taiwan are mainly Culex tritaeniorhynchus, Culex annularis, and Culex pipiens labyrinthus, which commonly breed in rice paddies, ponds, and irrigation ditches. Most people infected with Japanese encephalitis do not experience obvious symptoms.
Those with symptoms may experience headaches and fever. Severe cases may involve altered consciousness, disorientation, general weakness, and even coma or death.
The public is advised to avoid being in high-risk mosquito-carrying areas such as pigsties and other animal sheds during peak mosquito activity times, such as early morning or evening. If unavoidable, wear light-colored long-sleeved clothing and apply government-approved mosquito repellents containing DEET, Picaridin, or Imamectin (IR3535) to exposed skin.
Centers for Disease Control (CDC) emphasizes that the most effective way to prevent Japanese encephalitis is through vaccination. In Taiwan, the routine vaccination schedule for children is the first dose at 15 months of age, followed by a second dose 12 months later. The public is reminded to take eligible children to local health centers or contracted medical facilities for timely vaccination to avoid serious long-term consequences from infection. Furthermore, residents living near high-risk environments such as pigsties and rice paddies should implement mosquito prevention measures. Adults who feel they are at risk of infection can visit travel medicine clinics for an assessment and self-funded Japanese encephalitis vaccination.