The Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recently confirmed the second hantavirus case for 2026. This case follows a previous report in January involving a man in his 70s from Taipei City. The latest case involves another man in his 70s residing in New Taipei City.
Details of the Second Hantavirus Case in Taiwan
The recent patient has a history of chronic diseases, including diabetes. His symptoms began in mid-March and included:
- Fever with chills
- Sore throat
- Muscle aches
- Decreased urination
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
After experiencing these symptoms, he sought medical attention at a local hospital. Following tests, he was diagnosed with Hantavirus syndrome and discharged on March 30 after treatment.
Investigation and Prevention Measures
Interestingly, there was no known contact with rats, and local authorities found no captured rats near his home. The source of the infection is still under investigation by health officials.
In response to the cases, the CDC is working closely with Taipei City and New Taipei City Health Bureaus and Environmental Protection Bureaus. Their aim is to enhance environmental sanitation in affected areas. This includes:
- Rat trapping and extermination
- Rodent control measures (sticky traps and rat cages)
- Cleanup of rat carcasses and excrement
- Disinfection of contaminated environments
Overview of Hantavirus in Taiwan
According to the CDC, the two cases reported in 2026 match the same figure as the previous four years (2022-2025). Since 2017, Taiwan has recorded a total of 45 hantavirus cases. Notably, 30 of these cases (67%) involved males, and 30 cases (67%) were among individuals aged 40 and above. Additionally, one case was classified as imported from Indonesia.
Hantavirus syndrome is classified as a zoonotic infectious disease, primarily hosted by rodents. Humans face risk if they inhale or come into contact with materials contaminated by the waste of infected rodents. The CDC highlights the importance of adhering to a “three no’s” principle to prevent hantavirus infection:
- No rats coming
- No rats living
- No rats eating
Residents are encouraged to properly manage waste, ensure cleanup of their surroundings, and identify potential entry points for rats. In environments where rodent droppings are discovered, safety precautions such as wearing masks and gloves are recommended. Furthermore, cleaning the area with diluted bleach can help reduce risk.
