TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan has confirmed its first locally acquired cholera case in three years, involving a woman in her 70s with no recent travel history.
The woman developed diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and seizures in early June and first sought care at a clinic, per CNA. She was later taken to the emergency department after becoming drowsy and less responsive, was hospitalized for testing, and health authorities were notified of a suspected infection.
On June 19, tests confirmed infection with Vibrio cholerae serotype O1-Hikojima, the bacterium that causes cholera. She improved after treatment and has been discharged to recover at home.
Six close contacts have been identified, all of whom are asymptomatic. Health authorities have begun prevention measures and are investigating the source of exposure.
Taiwan’s last recorded domestic cholera case was in 2023, following two cases in 2022, according to CNA. All three were diagnosed with serotype O1-Ogawa.
Cholera is a Category II notifiable communicable disease and is mainly transmitted through contaminated food or water. The World Health Organization has assessed the global cholera risk as very high due to armed conflict, climate change, and weak sanitation systems.
Centers for Disease Control Spokesperson Tseng Shu-hui (曾淑慧) said Taiwan’s strong public health infrastructure, hygiene practices, and thorough food preparation significantly reduce the risk of infection, according to CNA.
Tseng warned that severe cases can have a mortality rate exceeding 50% if untreated. With prompt rehydration and electrolyte replacement, the fatality rate can be reduced to below 1%.
She added that Vibrio cholerae can persist in sewage for extended periods and that infection may occur through raw or undercooked seafood from contaminated waters, including shellfish and crustaceans. People are advised to avoid raw fish, oysters, and undercooked shellfish.
