Measles Outbreak in Taiwan Triggers CDC Travel Alert and Contact Monitoring
- Taiwan’s Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has elevated its measles alert level for Japan to "Watch" following the country’s first imported case from Japan in seven years, while...
- On Tuesday, April 28, 2026, the CDC confirmed a measles case involving a man in his 30s from central Taiwan who had recently traveled to Nagoya, Japan.
- The CDC stated that the patient sought medical care multiple times before the diagnosis was confirmed.
Taiwan Raises Measles Alert After Imported Cases from Japan and Flight Exposure
Taiwan’s Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has elevated its measles alert level for Japan to “Watch” following the country’s first imported case from Japan in seven years, while also monitoring 54 contacts after a Japanese passenger tested positive for the virus upon returning from Taipei.
First Imported Case from Japan in Seven Years
On Tuesday, April 28, 2026, the CDC confirmed a measles case involving a man in his 30s from central Taiwan who had recently traveled to Nagoya, Japan. The patient developed a fever and cough on April 16 after returning to Taiwan and was later diagnosed with measles after a rash appeared on April 20, according to CDC epidemiologist Lin Yung-ching (林詠青).
The CDC stated that the patient sought medical care multiple times before the diagnosis was confirmed. Authorities have identified 274 contacts linked to the case, who will be monitored until May 12. This marks Taiwan’s first measles case imported from Japan since 2019, prompting the CDC to upgrade its travel advisory for Japan due to increased measles activity in the country and high travel volumes between the two nations.
CDC Director-General Lo Yi-chun (羅一鈞) noted that Japan’s current measles outbreak consists mainly of sporadic cases and small clusters, with no large-scale community spread reported. As of April 15, Japan had recorded 299 measles cases this year, with higher concentrations in Tokyo, Kanagawa, Kagoshima, Aichi, Chiba, and Saitama.
To mitigate risks, the CDC has advised adults born in or after 1966 who plan to travel to affected areas to consult clinics two to four weeks before departure. Approximately 150,000 doses of self-paid MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine remain available in Taiwan.
Flight Exposure Triggers Contact Tracing
In a separate incident, the CDC is monitoring 54 contacts after a Japanese man in his 30s tested positive for measles upon returning to Nagoya on a Starlux Airlines flight from Taipei. The man flew from Taipei to Nagoya on Friday, April 24, and the CDC launched an investigation after receiving notification from Japanese health authorities.
Of the 54 identified contacts, 15 are crew members and 39 are passengers. Among them, 34 are Taiwanese, five are Japanese, and the remaining 15 are of other nationalities. Immigration records indicate that 21 of the Taiwanese contacts have returned to Taiwan, while the others have either not re-entered the country or may have traveled to other destinations.
All airline crew members are vaccinated against measles, but since vaccines do not provide 100% immunity, they have been instructed to practice self-health management for 18 days. None of the crew members have shown symptoms as of the latest update, and monitoring will continue until May 5.
The CDC has forwarded the information of the 21 returned Taiwanese contacts to health departments in 11 cities and counties—Taipei, New Taipei City, Keelung, Taoyuan, Hsinchu, Miaoli County, Taichung, Nantou County, Changhua County, Yunlin County, and Kaohsiung—for tracking and health education. These individuals will also be monitored until May 5.
Global Measles Concerns and Travel Advisories
The CDC has issued a Level 2 (alert) travel notice for 11 countries, including Bangladesh, Indonesia, Guatemala, Mexico, Vietnam, and India, advising travelers to take enhanced precautions. This follows reports of rising measles cases globally, including over 400 cases in the United Kingdom, according to the CDC.
Measles, a highly contagious viral disease, spreads through respiratory droplets and can lead to severe complications, particularly in unvaccinated individuals. Taiwan has maintained high vaccination coverage, but imported cases remain a concern due to international travel.
The CDC’s proactive measures, including contact tracing and travel advisories, aim to prevent further transmission and protect public health amid the resurgence of measles in several regions.