TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Taoyuan Department of Public Health (桃園市衛生局) on Thursday (Dec. 26) confirmed the first imported measles case of the year in the city. Officials reported that the 45-year-old male patient visited a hot pot restaurant and a pharmacy on Nanping Road (南平路) in Taoyuan District while infectious.
The patient traveled to Cambodia for work in early December and returned to Taiwan on Dec. 19. He began feeling unwell on Dec. 20, sought medical attention on Dec. 23, and developed a rash on Dec. 24. Authorities confirmed the measles diagnosis on Dec. 26. The city government promptly initiated preventive measures and identified about 200 contacts for health monitoring.
The health bureau advises individuals who dined at the hot pot restaurant on Dec. 20 at noon or visited the Green Tree Pharmacy (大樹連鎖藥局) on Dec. 23 and 24 in the morning to undergo 18 days of health management. Those experiencing symptoms like fever, rhinitis, conjunctivitis, cough, or rash should wear a mask and contact the epidemic prevention hotline at 0800-033-355 for medical assistance.
Officials emphasized that measles is highly contagious, primarily spreading through air and droplets, with an incubation period of 7 to 18 days. They urged the public to wear masks in hospitals or crowded places to reduce risk. Residents can call the citizen inquiry service at 1999 or the epidemic prevention hotline at 0800-033-355 for inquiries.
