Taiwan's Record Setting Hep A Outbreak Continues in 2026

The Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (TCDC) continues to report a significant increase in acute viral hepatitis A (HepA) cases.

The surge that began in spring 2025 has led to the highest number of reported cases in nearly a decade and remains unabated as of January 20, 2026.

Official surveillance data from the Taiwan National Infectious Disease Statistics System show that there were a total of 484 confirmed acute HepA cases for the entire year of 2025.

Demographic data from this period reveal that approximately 82.8% of cases occurred in males, with the highest proportion (36.2%) among adults aged 30-39 years. Additionally, 40% of the cases in 2025 were linked to sexual contact.

In the early weeks of 2026, an additional 22 cases have already been recorded, with individuals aged 20-29 accounting for about 28% of these cases.

Historical outbreaks show HepA cases concentrated in northern Taiwan, spreading southward over time.

The TCDC has emphasized that hepatitis A antibody prevalence in Taiwan remains notably low, particularly among younger and middle-aged adults. This leaves large segments of the population vulnerable and contributes to the continued spread of the virus, which spreads through the fecal-oral route, often via contaminated food or water, or through close contact with infected individuals.

For real-time statistics and official guidance, please refer to the Taiwan National Infectious Disease Statistics System or the CDC website. It is crucial to maintain vigilance regarding hygiene, safe practices, and vaccination to mitigate this ongoing increase in cases.

According to the U.S. CDC, unvaccinated travelers aged 1 year or older traveling to Taiwan should speak with a healthcare provider about pre-trip vaccinations. Travelers allergic to a vaccine component should receive a single dose of immune globulin, which provides adequate protection for up to 2 months, depending on the dosage given.

Unvaccinated travelers who are over 40 years old, are immunocompromised, or have chronic medical conditions planning to depart for a risk area in less than 2 weeks should receive the initial dose of vaccine and, at the same appointment, receive immune globulin, says the U.S. CDC.

These HepA immunization services are offered at travel clinics in the United States in 2026.