TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Centers for Disease Control on Tuesday reported two new confirmed cases of meningococcal meningitis, bringing Taiwan’s total this year to seven, per a press release.
The first case involves a one-month-old Taiwanese boy in southern Taiwan. He developed symptoms, including loss of appetite and persistent crying, on April 17 and was hospitalized the following day with a fever before being admitted to intensive care.
Tests later confirmed infection with meningococcus. He remains hospitalized in stable condition.
Health authorities identified four close household contacts, all of whom were given preventive medication. Monitoring ended on April 29, with no symptoms reported among the contacts.
The second case is a Taiwanese man in his 30s from central Taiwan. He developed a fever, cough, and pain in both lower limbs on April 26 and sought medical treatment two days later because of chest tightness and difficulty breathing.
He was hospitalized and later confirmed to have a meningococcal infection. He remains in stable condition.
Authorities said one close contact has been identified in the second case, with no symptoms reported. The individual has received health education and is under monitoring.
According to CDC data, the seven confirmed cases so far this year exceed the number recorded during the same period each year from 2017 to 2025, when annual cases ranged from zero to six. Over the past decade, infections have been most common among people aged 25-64 (30.2%), followed by those over 65 (28.6%) and those aged 19-24 (20.6%).
Meningococcal type B is the most common strain, per the press release.
The CDC said meningococcal disease continues to occur worldwide, with Africa remaining the primary epidemic region, particularly in the so-called “meningitis belt” south of the Sahara Desert. The region is currently in its peak season, which runs from December to June.
So far this year, 22 countries have reported 6,929 suspected cases and 340 deaths, with the most cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Niger, and Burkina Faso.
The CDC said meningococcal meningitis is primarily transmitted through close or prolonged contact with respiratory or throat secretions, such as through coughing or kissing. About 5% to 10% of healthy individuals may carry the bacteria without symptoms.
The incubation period ranges from two to 10 days, with immunocompromised individuals at higher risk. Common symptoms include fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, nausea, vomiting, and hemorrhagic rash.
In severe cases, complications such as pneumonia, sepsis, meningitis, shock, and death may occur. Infants under 1 year old may show only fever and vomiting.
The CDC urged the public to avoid crowded or poorly ventilated environments and maintain good hand and respiratory hygiene. Extra care should be taken when handling newborns, as their immune systems are not fully developed.
People with respiratory symptoms should avoid contact with infants or wear masks and wash their hands thoroughly if contact is necessary.
Anyone experiencing suspected symptoms is advised to seek medical attention promptly. More information is available on the CDC website or via the toll-free epidemic prevention hotline 1922.
