First Imported Zika Case of the Year: Man Diagnosed After Returning from Thailand

With summer travel in full swing, disease prevention remains critical when traveling abroad. Taiwan's Centers for Disease Control (CDC) today announced the first imported case of Zika virus infection this year: a local man in his 30s from northern Taiwan who developed symptoms such as dizziness, rash, fever, and headache after returning from Thailand in mid-to-late June.

According to surveillance data from the Taiwan CDC, as of July 13, one confirmed case has been reported this year, imported from Thailand. Since 2016, Taiwan has confirmed a total of 31 Zika virus cases, all imported, with most infections originating in Southeast Asian countries (81%).

CDC spokesperson Tseng Shu-hui explained during a routine press briefing that the patient, a man in his 30s, returned from Thailand in mid-June and began experiencing fever, dizziness, and head pressure. By late June, he developed a rash and sought medical care. After reporting and laboratory testing, he was confirmed to have Zika virus infection. His symptoms were mild, requiring no hospitalization, and he has since returned home with improving health. All close contacts and household members remain asymptomatic.

Zika virus is classified in Taiwan as a Category II notifiable disease, transmissible via mosquito bites or sexual contact, and potentially through mother-to-child vertical transmission. Tseng emphasized that pregnant women infected with Zika virus risk giving birth to babies with microcephaly or stillbirth, which is why the World Health Organization (WHO) continues to monitor the virus closely. Pregnant women and those planning pregnancy are advised to postpone travel to Zika-affected areas.

Tseng advised travelers to Zika-endemic regions to take preventive measures, including wearing light-colored long-sleeved clothing, applying government-approved insect repellent on exposed skin, and staying in accommodations with window/door screens or air conditioning.

CDC Epidemic Monitoring Center Director Kuo Hung-wei reported that globally, from 2016 to 2026, Zika has affected at least 97 countries. Current incidence rates are far below peak epidemic levels, with approximately 80% of infections asymptomatic. Most ongoing cases are concentrated in the Americas.

Kuo noted that Brazil, Argentina, and Bolivia currently report the highest global incidence. In Southeast Asia, transmission remains low and sporadic, with Thailand showing a year-on-year decline. Singapore has reported seven cases so far this year. Cases in the Western Pacific and Europe are mostly sporadic or travel-related. In Africa, 18 countries, including Kenya, have reported outbreaks.

The CDC urges travelers returning from affected areas to practice safe sex: men should use condoms or abstain for three months, women for two months, regardless of symptoms. If a male traveler’s partner is pregnant, condoms must be used or sexual activity avoided until delivery. Travelers should also continue personal mosquito prevention for at least three weeks and defer blood donation for at least one month.

Additionally, travelers who suspect possible Zika infection upon arrival should proactively contact airport quarantine personnel. Anyone feeling unwell within two weeks of return should seek medical attention immediately and disclose their travel history. Healthcare providers encountering suspected cases must inquire about travel history and report them legally to minimize outbreak risks.