Three new local cases of mpox were reported this month, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) said yesterday, urging those at risk to get vaccinated immediately.
One new endemic case of mpox was reported in northern Taiwan, while two cases were reported in central Taiwan, CDC Deputy Director-General Tseng Shu-hui (曾淑慧) said.
The patients developed rashes, blisters and pustules across their bodies, which the doctors reported after taking samples, Tseng said.
Photo: Tsai Shu-yuan, Taipei Times
All three incidents were sporadic and were not part of a large cluster infection, she added.
Taiwan listed mpox as a Category 2 national infectious disease on June 23, 2022, and as of Wednesday, had recorded 483 cases, of which 451 were local and 32 were imported, Tseng said.
This year has seen 27 local cases and four imported cases, with the imported cases originating from China, Hong Kong and Thailand, Tseng added.
Three mpox cases were recorded in May, seven in June, 11 last month and three this month, which — although fewer than the same period last year — highlight the continued risk that mpox could develop into a community epidemic, Tseng said.
The CDC will continue to monitor the outbreak, Tseng said, adding that the most effective way to prevent mpox is to get vaccinated.
As of Sunday, 101,515 people had received at least one dose of the mpox vaccine, among whom 70,189 were vaccinated twice, CDC statistics showed.
The CDC urged people traveling to areas with mpox or known areas in Taiwan that have seen outbreaks to protect themselves by avoiding social activities where they might come into close contact with others.
Travelers should also be on the lookout for whether they or others are exhibiting symptoms, such as rashes, blisters, pustules, macules and punctate papules, the CDC said.
Other symptoms include fever, chills, headache, muscle aches or swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, groin or other areas, it added.
Should someone experience any of these symptoms, they should wear a mask and visit their nearest clinic or hospital as soon as possible, the CDC said.
Travelers should disclose to doctors their recent travel history and whether they have been to areas with a high risk of mpox infection, it added.
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