Taiwan’s Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recently announced the first confirmed case of Japanese encephalitis in 2026. The patient is a woman in her 60s from Minxiong Township, Chiayi County, with no recent overseas travel history. She was hospitalized after developing fever, altered consciousness, and coma, and was later confirmed to have contracted the disease. She remains under medical treatment.

According to the CDC, the patient’s daily activities were mainly around her home, which is located near rice fields, irrigation channels, pig farms, and poultry farms, all considered high-risk environments. Health authorities have installed mosquito traps in the area and strengthened public health education and disease surveillance efforts.

Monitoring data show that Taiwan has recorded one confirmed case so far this year. Japanese encephalitis season in Taiwan generally runs from May to October, with peak activity occurring in June and July. Although most cases in recent years have occurred among adults over 40, people of all ages remain at risk.

The CDC noted that Japanese encephalitis is mainly transmitted by Culex mosquitoes that breed in rice paddies, ponds, and irrigation ditches. Most infected individuals experience no obvious symptoms, but severe cases can lead to altered consciousness, coma, or even death.

The CDC emphasized that vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent Japanese encephalitis. Children are recommended to receive the first vaccine dose at 15 months of age and a second dose 12 months later. Parents are urged to ensure timely vaccination, while residents living near rice fields or livestock farms should also strengthen mosquito prevention measures.