A new record of 20 mpox cases were confirmed this week, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) said on Tuesday, urging people at risk to get fully vaccinated as soon as possible.
Three of the mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) cases were imported, while the remaining 17 were domestic, the CDC said.
Sixteen were in northern Taiwan, one was in the central region and three were in the south, it said, adding that they range in age from over 20 to over 40.
Photo: Ou Su-mei, Taipei Times
The confirmed cases began showing symptoms between April 15 and Friday last week, the CDC said.
Those with characteristic symptoms such as fever, swollen lymph glands and skin lesions were referred for testing and confirmed between Monday last week and Sunday, it said.
The 25 people determined to be close contacts have been informed to monitor their health for 21 days, it added.
Considering a worsening outbreak in South Korea, the CDC on Monday last week issued a level-one “watch” alert for mpox in the country, bringing the number of countries under watch to 38.
Since mpox was listed as a Category 2 notifiable communicable disease on June 23 last year, 111 cases have been confirmed in Taiwan, including 98 that were domestically transmitted, CDC data showed.
Of them, 53 have recovered, 10 are receiving inpatient treatment and 48 are recovering at home.
The CDC encouraged those at risk for mpox, including those who have had multiple sexual partners within the past six months, have been to venues that allow sex on their premises or are sex workers, to get vaccinated as soon as possible.
A second dose is recommended at least four weeks after the first to grant immunity of nearly 90 percent, up from 40 to 80 percent after the first dose, it said.
Appointments may be made at 82 healthcare institutions nationwide, it added.
The body needs about 14 days after vaccination to produce the required antibodies, the CDC said, advising recipients to exercise caution during the period and before getting a second dose.
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