[Life] Monkeypox Cases Surge: 18 New Infections in October, Highest in Two Years; CDC Urges Full Vaccination
RtiTalk 小編1d ago
Domestic monkeypox (Mpox) cases have surged. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) announced today (20th) that Taiwan has added 18 confirmed cases this October, marking a new monthly high in nearly two years. It is estimated that the number of confirmed cases in October could be three times the monthly average for this year. The CDC urges individuals eligible for free vaccination to complete their two-dose vaccination as soon as possible to reduce the risk of infection.
The Mpox epidemic in Taiwan is escalating. According to the latest CDC statistics, as of October 19th this year, a total of 52 Mpox cases have been confirmed, including 41 domestic and 11 imported cases, an increase of nearly 20% compared to the same period last year.
Notably, in October alone, as of the 19th, 18 cases have been confirmed, setting a new monthly record since October 2024. It is estimated that the number of confirmed cases in October this year could be three times the monthly average for this year. Lin Ming-cheng, spokesperson for the CDC, stated: '(Original audio) There have been domestic cases for seven consecutive weeks, and the cumulative total for this year is 52 cases. These 52 cases are higher than the same period last year, an increase of nearly 20%. Therefore, we still urge eligible individuals to quickly complete their two-dose vaccination for complete protection.'
Lin Ming-cheng pointed out that since Taiwan reported its first case of the Mpox Ib virus strain in May this year, 30 cases of the Ib strain have been detected, including 22 domestic and 8 imported cases. Among the imported cases, Thailand is the leading country of infection with 6 cases, followed by Hong Kong with 2 cases. Furthermore, of the 18 new cases in October, 16 were of the Ib strain, indicating that most cases in the last three months have been of the Ib strain. Epidemiological investigations show that the 16 confirmed cases are aged between their 20s and 40s, have all engaged in unsafe sexual practices, and only two had been vaccinated against Mpox.
Lin Ming-cheng explained that the international Mpox epidemic is on the rise, with Thailand experiencing the most severe outbreak in Southeast Asia. Given that Taiwanese people frequently travel to Thailand, the risk of infection is high. He stated that with increased social activities towards the end of the year, people traveling to endemic areas or visiting high-risk venues domestically should practice self-protection and avoid social settings involving close contact with unspecified individuals. If symptoms such as skin lesions (rashes, blisters, macules, papules, pustules), fever, chills, headache, muscle pain, or swollen lymph nodes appear, they should wear a mask, seek medical attention promptly, and inform the doctor about their travel history, exposure to risk areas, or relevant contact history.
Lin Ming-cheng emphasized that vaccination against Mpox is currently the most effective preventive measure, capable of protecting against both clade I and clade II virus strains. One dose of the Mpox vaccine provides 40-80% protection, while completing the two-dose regimen can increase protection to over 90%. As of the end of September this year, 112,774 people had received at least one dose of the Mpox vaccine, with 80,847 completing the full two doses. There are still 31,927 individuals, approximately 28%, who have not completed their second dose.
Source Link: https://www.rti.org.tw/news?uid=3&pid=238707
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