Second Case of Variant Monkeypox in Taiwan: Man in His 20s Imported from Hong Kong

TAIPEI (CNA) - Taiwan has recorded its second imported case of the Ib variant of monkeypox (Mpox) since it was listed as a statutory infectious disease. The case involves a man in his 20s who had traveled to Hong Kong. He developed symptoms after returning to Taiwan and was vaccinated, but still tested positive. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) urges those eligible for free vaccination to complete their doses promptly.

Since Mpox was classified as a Category 2 statutory infectious disease in Taiwan on June 23, 2022, a total of 535 cases have been reported (496 local and 39 imported). This year, there have been 19 cases (15 local and 4 imported).

The CDC announced at its regular epidemic briefing today that four new cases were added in June and July this year, including two local and two imported cases. Spokesperson Tseng Shu-hui explained that all cases are men in their 20s to 40s who developed symptoms after mid-May. Most had not been vaccinated against Mpox before symptom onset. They sought medical attention due to symptoms such as rashes on their genitals, limbs, and torso, fever, chills, and general fatigue. After diagnosis and testing by a physician, they were confirmed positive, and genetic typing identified the variant.

One of the imported cases was infected with the Ib variant, marking the second imported case of the Ib variant in Taiwan. The remaining cases were infected with the II type. Tseng Shu-hui stated that this male Taiwanese national in his 20s had traveled to Hong Kong. He was vaccinated after developing symptoms upon his return to Taiwan, but still tested positive, thus being classified as an imported case.

The global Mpox epidemic continues. Li Chia-lin, deputy director of the epidemic command center, reported that in May this year, 32 countries or regions reported a total of 1142 confirmed cases, with 63.9% originating from Africa. There were three deaths, resulting in a fatality rate of 0.3%. The countries with the most reported cases include Madagascar, China, France, Australia, and Germany.

Li Chia-lin added that since the large-scale community transmission of Mpox began globally in 2022, over 185,000 confirmed cases and 509 deaths have been reported across 144 countries, primarily in the Americas and Africa.

The CDC indicated that as of the end of June this year, approximately 110,000 people have received at least one dose of the Mpox vaccine, with over 78,000 completing two doses. This means nearly 30%, or over 31,000 individuals, have not yet received their second dose. The CDC reminds the public that the incubation period for Mpox can be up to 21 days, and some individuals can transmit the virus one to four days before symptoms appear. Vaccination is currently the most effective way to prevent infection from both type I and type II virus strains.

The CDC emphasizes that receiving only one dose of the vaccine provides only about 40% to 80% protection against the disease, while completing two doses increases protection to about 90%. A total of 312 designated medical institutions nationwide offer free Mpox vaccination services. Eligible individuals, including those with risk behaviors in the past year, individuals with a history of sexually transmitted infections, or those whose sexual contacts have any of the aforementioned conditions, are urged to complete their two doses of the free Mpox vaccine as soon as possible.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends Mpox vaccination for high-risk groups. For close contacts with high-risk exposure, post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is recommended ideally within 4 days of exposure. If PEP cannot be administered within 4 days, it can still be given within 14 days of exposure, provided no symptoms have appeared, to reduce the risk of developing the disease or severe illness. (Editor: Lung Po-an) 1150707

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