TAIPEI, Taiwan — Taiwan has reported a sharp increase in imported mpox cases this year, with health authorities confirming two new infections — including a locally acquired case involving the newer Mpox Clade Ib strain.
The latest cases have pushed Taiwan’s total mpox infections in 2026 to 30, double the number reported during the same period last year, according to the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control.
Health officials said the growing number of imported cases highlights the continuing risk of contracting mpox while traveling overseas.
Two New Mpox Cases Confirmed
The two latest confirmed infections include one locally acquired case and one imported case.
The local patient is a man in his 40s who developed symptoms last month, including mouth sores, fever and a rash.
The imported case involves a man in his 30s who traveled to Cambodia last month. He later developed symptoms including fever, chills and a rash.
Both men reported having unprotected sexual contact before their symptoms began and had not been vaccinated against mpox, according to health authorities.
Taiwan Has Recorded 30 Cases This Year
As of Monday, Taiwan had reported 30 mpox cases in 2026, including:
- 20 locally acquired cases
- 10 imported cases
All of the patients were men between the ages of 20 and 60, according to CDC Deputy Director-General Lin Ming-cheng.
While locally acquired infections have been declining, imported cases are becoming a bigger share of Taiwan’s overall mpox caseload.
The 10 imported cases reported so far this year are double the number recorded during the same period last year.
Thailand Accounts for Most Imported Cases
Thailand was linked to the largest number of imported mpox cases reported in Taiwan this year.
Of the 10 imported infections:
- Six were linked to Thailand
- One was linked to Vietnam
- One was linked to India
- One was linked to Hong Kong
- One was linked to Cambodia
Taiwan’s CDC warned that the risk of mpox infection while traveling overseas should not be underestimated.
Newer Clade Ib Strain Raises Concerns
The locally acquired case involved the newer Mpox Clade Ib strain, which has attracted increased attention from health authorities internationally.
Taiwan’s CDC said both Clade II and Clade Ib infections can cause symptoms including:
- Fever
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Rash
- Blisters
However, systemic rashes can be more widely distributed across the body in Clade Ib infections.
Health officials also said Clade Ib can spread more easily through household contact compared with Clade II.
People with weakened immune systems, young children, pregnant women and those with chronic illnesses may face a higher risk of severe illness, authorities said.
The CDC added that the overall symptoms and fatality rates of Clade Ib and Clade II are similar, while the severity of an infection depends heavily on a person’s immune status.
CDC Urges Public to Complete Two-Dose Vaccination
Taiwan’s health authorities are again urging eligible people to complete the standard two-dose mpox vaccination regimen.
According to the CDC, the first dose provides approximately 40 to 80 percent protection, while completing both doses can increase effectiveness to up to 90 percent.
Since Taiwan introduced mpox vaccination:
- 111,908 people have received their first dose
- 80,033 people have completed both doses
That means roughly 29 percent of people who received their first dose have not yet completed the full vaccination series.
Authorities are urging those individuals to get their second dose as soon as possible.
Taiwan Warns Travelers as Imported Cases Rise
The latest figures underline a changing pattern in Taiwan’s mpox situation.
Local transmission has been declining, but infections linked to overseas travel are increasing.
With imported cases now coming from several destinations across Asia, Taiwanese health authorities are urging travelers to remain aware of the risks and take appropriate precautions.
The CDC also said mpox vaccines can provide effective protection against Clade Ib infection, while the antiviral drug Tecovirimat can be used to help treat severe cases.
The Bottom Line
Taiwan has now recorded 30 mpox cases in 2026 — twice as many as during the same period last year — as imported infections continue to rise.
The latest two cases include a locally acquired infection involving the newer Clade Ib strain and another case linked to travel in Cambodia.
With Thailand accounting for six of Taiwan’s 10 imported cases this year, health authorities are warning that mpox remains a serious travel-related health concern.
Taiwan’s message is clear: local cases may be falling, but imported mpox infections are rising — and travelers and unvaccinated individuals remain at risk.
WWC ONE MEDIA J.M.D
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