Measles on the Rise in Taiwan: Investigations Underway

Taiwan Grapples with New Measles Cases as Experts Probe Infection Sources

Taipei, April 8 – Taiwan is currently addressing a recent surge in measles cases, with three new infections reported last week. These include two imported cases from Vietnam and one domestic infection, sparking investigations into the source of the local transmission.

The domestic case involves a Taiwanese man in his 20s, who initially presented with cold-like symptoms. According to CDC physician Lin Yung-ching (林詠青), the man developed a fever and sore throat before a rash appeared, leading to a diagnosis of measles.

CDC spokesman Lo Yi-chun (羅一鈞) stated that the man's housemate was listed as a contact of an imported case from Vietnam, as they had visited the same medical facility. However, the domestic case did not enter the facility.

Authorities are actively investigating any potential overlap in movement between the domestic case and the imported cases to pinpoint the source of infection. Three household contacts of the domestic case are under health monitoring until April 22, while 128 individuals linked to the imported cases are also being monitored until the same date.

The imported cases, a Taiwanese man in his 30s and a Vietnamese woman in her 20s, arrived from Vietnam on March 24 and March 25, respectively. The woman developed a rash shortly after arrival, and the man displayed symptoms later. Both were confirmed to have measles.

Since the beginning of 2025, Taiwan has recorded a total of 22 confirmed measles cases, including eight domestic and 14 imported cases, all originating from Vietnam. The CDC noted that these numbers represent the highest in the same period for the past six years.

In addition to measles, the CDC also announced the availability of a second dose of a vaccine targeting the JN.1 variant of COVID-19 for high-risk groups, including seniors aged 65 and older, Indigenous people aged 55-64, and people with weakened immunity.

Lo Yi-chun (羅一鈞) cautioned that another wave of COVID-19 infections is possible this summer due to ongoing virus mutations. The CDC encourages eligible individuals to get their second dose of the JN.1 vaccine, with a recommended interval of at least 180 days between doses.