TAIPEI (Taiwan News) —The Ministry of Health and Welfare confirmed a second case of measles on Friday, after an initial case was reported earlier in February, with a wider cluster likely to develop.
The initial case was an 8-month-old infant who returned from a trip to Vietnam with his family in late January, reported CNA. The child was diagnosed on Feb. 12, while the second case, a man in his 40s, was confirmed 13 days after initial contact with the infant.
The second case was in contact with the 8-month old at the hospital where the child’s family sought treatment. After the second case was confirmed, the Centers for Disease Control launched an investigation to identify the man’s potential contacts and prevent further spread.
The CDC has identified 526 possible contacts, including five family members, who have been ordered by health authorities to self-monitor their condition and avoid public places until March 17. The CDC released information on the places the man visited while infectious.
Possible symptoms include fever, cough, and most tellingly, a rash of blotchy skin or raised bumps, which may appear red or brown in color. Those who suspect they have been infected should contact the Ministry of Health and Welfare directly and avoid seeking medical attention on their own.
Those who are identified as having been in contact with infected persons must strictly comply with self-monitoring regulations for 21 days after contact. Those who fail to comply may face fines of between NT$60,000 (US$1,900) and NT$300,000, per CNA.
Taiwan has confirmed three cases of measles so far in 2026. In addition to the two cases in New Taipei, a separate case was imported from Malaysia and reported in Taichung.
A man in his 40s returned from Malaysia in early February and was diagnosed on Feb. 12, per UDN. There are 48 contacts self-monitoring until March 4 in Taichung.
