Taiwan health officials confirmed 2 additional Japanese encephalitis cases today.

The two new cases respectively are an over 30-year-old male who resides in Linyuan District, Kaohsiung City and an over 50-year-old male who resides in Shuishang Township, Chiayi County.

Taiwan map/CIA
Taiwan map/CIA

On May 27 and 28, they respectively developed symptoms and sought medical attention. Infection with Japanese encephalitis was confirmed in both cases.

The residence of the case residing in Linyuan District, Kaohsiung City is close to the residences of the other 2 previously confirmed cases. Hence, it is determined that his source of infection is around his residence.

On the other hand, the case residing in Shuishang Township, Chiayi County is a farmer. Although there are no pig farms, rice paddy fields and poultry farms around his residence, there are poultry activities and irrigation canals around where he works at. Therefore, it is determined that his source of infection is around is his work place.

Currently, both 2 cases are still hospitalized for treatment. Their conditions are stable and both of them are conscious.

Thus far this year, as June 5, 2018, a total of 5 Japanese encephalitis cases, including 3 in Kaohsiung City, 1 in Chiayi County and 1 in Pingtung County, have been confirmed in Taiwan. All 5 cases live in a high risk environment where there are vector breeding sites nearby. During the same period last year, 3 cases were confirmed.