TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has reported a total of seven measles cases as of March 6, with ages ranging from 20 to 40. Of these cases, five were domestic, and two were imported from Malaysia.
The CDC has indicated an elevated risk of local transmission, forecasting a spike in measles cases in March and April. The World Health Organization (WHO) describes measles as a highly contagious virus that spreads easily through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes.
It can lead to severe complications and death, with each infected individual potentially spreading the virus to 12 to 18 others. Despite this, Chiu Nan-chang, a medical professional at Mackay Memorial Hospital, suggests that a major measles epidemic in Taiwan is unlikely due to the high vaccination rate of over 95%.
Measles commonly affects children, presenting symptoms such as high fever, cough, runny nose, and rashes all over the body. Chiu also advises individuals born after 1981, who received the measles vaccine over 20 years ago, to consider additional doses to boost their immunity, as vaccine effectiveness may decrease over time.
In recent years, measles outbreaks have occurred in countries including Malaysia, the Philippines, India, Ethiopia, and Kazakhstan. The Taipei City Government's health department has reminded travelers planning visits to these areas to get vaccinated against measles.