Thu, Aug 27, 2026 page1

• Taiwan confirms two local mpox clade Ib cases

  PROTECTION: Nearly 90 percent of confirmed mpox cases were unvaccinated, the CDC said, adding that current vaccines are effective against clade Ib

  • By Hou Chia-yu and Sam Garcia / Staff reporter, with staff writer
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  Two domestic cases of mpox clade Ib have been confirmed this month, marking the first locally acquired infections of the virus strain, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) said yesterday.

  The patients, both men in their 30s, are in stable condition and had not received an mpox vaccine before developing symptoms, the CDC said.

  The first man developed a fever late last month, followed by a rash and pustules on the abdomen and groin, CDC Deputy Director-General Lin Ming-cheng (林明誠) said.

  

  Centers for Disease Control physician Lin Yung-ching explains mpox symptoms and preventive measures in a news conference at the centers in Taipei on April 21.

  Photo: Lin Chih-yi, Taipei Times

  He was diagnosed with mpox after seeking medical care and undergoing testing, Lin said.

  The other man developed a rash on the torso and legs early this month, followed by fever and muscle aches, and after rashes appeared on multiple parts of his body, he was tested, Lin said.

  Genetic typing confirmed that they were infected with mpox clade Ib, he added.

  Mpox is a viral infectious disease primarily spread through close contact, including sexual contact, hugging, kissing or direct skin-to-skin contact, the CDC said.

  The clade Ib strain has symptoms similar to the more common clade II, including fever, swollen lymph nodes, rashes and blisters, but its rash might be more widespread and the virus might spread more easily within households, Lin said.

  Young children, pregnant women and people with chronic illnesses are at higher risk of severe disease if infected, he said.

  Mpox vaccines are effective against clade Ib, while the antiviral drug tecovirimat could be used to treat severe cases, he added.

  As of Sunday, 28 new mpox cases had been recorded in Taiwan this year, including 19 locally acquired cases and nine imported cases, all involving men aged 20 to 50, the CDC said.

  Since the first imported mpox clade Ib case was reported in May, nine clade Ib infections have been confirmed, including seven imported and two locally acquired cases, it said.

  Since mpox was designated a Category 2 communicable disease in 2022, Taiwan has recorded 544 cases, including 500 locally acquired cases and 44 imported cases, CDC data showed.

  Most people with confirmed mpox had a history of higher-risk sexual activity, and nearly 90 percent were unvaccinated against mpox, the centers said.

  People who engage in higher-risk sexual activity, particularly those without a steady sexual partner, face a higher risk of infection, it said.

  The risk to the general population remains low, it added.

  Vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent infection, Lin said, adding that as of last month, 79,216 people had completed the recommended two doses of the vaccine, while 31,755 people had received only one dose.

  As two doses provide about 90 percent protection against mpox, compared with 40 to 80 percent protection after one dose, those who are considered at risk should complete the two-dose series as soon as possible, he said.

  In Taiwan, 318 medical institutions offer government-funded mpox vaccines, the CDC said.

  People who have engaged in higher-risk sexual activity within the past year, have previously had a sexually transmitted infection or have sexual partners with related risk factors are eligible for the government-funded vaccine, it said.

  Mpox has an incubation period of up to 21 days, and some people might be infectious one to four days before symptoms appear, the centers said.

  People who develop rashes, blisters or pustules along with symptoms such as fever, headaches, muscle aches or swollen lymph nodes should wear a mask and seek medical attention, and inform their doctor of any travel, exposure and contact history, it said.
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