TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Centers for Disease Control on Tuesday reported two new imported measles cases, bringing the total number of cases this year to six, per a press release.
The first case involves a Taiwanese woman in her 50s who traveled to New York between late January and early February. After returning, she developed a fever lasting two weeks but did not initially show a rash.
In early March, she experienced symptoms resembling encephalitis and sought emergency treatment. The hospital suspected measles, and the case was later confirmed. Health authorities have identified 339 contacts, who will be monitored through April 4.
The second case is a Taiwanese man in his 30s who visited India from mid-January to late February. After returning, he developed symptoms including cough, sore throat, fever, conjunctivitis, and a rash over 16 days.
Following two medical visits, he was reported as a suspected case and later tested positive. Authorities have identified 719 contacts, who will be monitored through April 7.
As of March 30, Taiwan has recorded six measles cases this year, ranging in age from under one to over 50. Two cases were locally transmitted, while four were imported from Vietnam, Malaysia, the US, and India.
The CDC said measles outbreaks continue globally. Several Asian countries, including Vietnam, Malaysia, India, Indonesia, Japan, Singapore, and Kazakhstan, have reported cases since 2025. Mexico is experiencing a major outbreak with more than 8,000 cases, while the US has reported about 1,500 cases as of March 26.
The agency has issued a Level 2 travel alert for Kazakhstan, Indonesia, Angola, Mexico, Yemen, Pakistan, Vietnam, and India, advising travelers to take enhanced precautions. Another 30 countries are listed under Level 1, urging general preventive measures.
The CDC reminded the public that measles is highly contagious and spreads through the air. Travelers to affected areas are advised to maintain good hygiene, including frequent handwashing and wearing masks when necessary.
Adults born after 1966 who are unsure of their immunity should consult a travel medicine clinic two to four weeks before departure to assess the need for measles, mumps, and rubella vaccination.
Pregnant women and infants under one year old are advised to avoid travel to outbreak areas. Infants aged 6 months to under one year may receive a self-paid MMR vaccine dose before travel after consulting a doctor.
Those who develop symptoms such as fever, rash, cough, or conjunctivitis within three weeks of returning to Taiwan should wear a mask and seek medical attention, informing doctors of their travel and contact history.
The CDC warned that failure to comply with health monitoring requirements for contacts may result in fines ranging from NT$60,000 to NT$300,000 (US$1,875 to US$9,400) under the Communicable Disease Control Act.
