TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Health officials have confirmed Taiwan's first imported case of Chikungunya virus infection this year, marking a significant public health milestone. The Ministry of Health and Welfare's Centers for Disease Control (CDC, 衛福部疾病管制署) reported the case Thursday (Aug. 7). A woman in her 40s residing in central Taiwan contracted the mosquito-borne virus after visiting Guangdong Province (廣東省), China, in mid-July.
CDC spokesperson Tseng Shu-hui (曾淑慧) stated that the woman heard a travel warning about Chikungunya during her return flight. She sought immediate medical attention upon arriving in Taiwan on July 30, after experiencing fever and rash symptoms characteristic of the viral infection. The CDC has documented 17 imported cases of Chikungunya this year as of Aug. 6, with Indonesia accounting for 13 cases.
Guangdong Province faces a severe Chikungunya outbreak, with over 7,000 cases reported across the region. Foshan City (佛山市) recorded 2,770 new cases from July 27 to Aug. 2, representing the highest infection rate in the province. Taiwan's CDC has intensified fever screening protocols at international airports and mini three-link ports connecting Taiwan and China. The CDC urges travel agencies and airlines to promote public awareness and enhance self-protection measures among travelers. ◼