Campus Health Announcement
First Confirmed Case of Hantavirus Syndrome in 2026 – Please Strengthen Rodent Prevention Measures
The Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (CDC) announced the first confirmed case of Hantavirus Syndrome in Taiwan for the year 2026 on January 30.
Hantavirus Syndrome is a zoonotic infectious disease. Infection may occur through inhalation of dust contaminated with rodent urine or feces, contact with contaminated objects, or bites from infected rodents. The incubation period ranges from several days to up to two months. Common symptoms include sudden fever, fatigue, headache, back pain, abdominal pain, vomiting, and loss of appetite. In severe cases, hemorrhagic symptoms, low blood pressure, decreased urine output, or acute kidney failure may occur. With prompt medical treatment, the condition can improve.
To prevent hantavirus infection, the CDC advises strict implementation of the “Three No’s for Rodent Prevention”:
Do not let rodents enter: Check and block potential entry points.
Do not let rodents stay: Keep the environment clean, especially fire lanes, drainage systems, storage areas, and walls.
Do not let rodents eat: Properly store food waste and animal feed.
Additional precautions:
When rodent droppings are found, wear a mask and rubber gloves, ventilate the area, and disinfect with diluted bleach (100 cc household bleach mixed with 1 liter of water). Clean the area after 30 minutes.
Food service and related facilities must strengthen rodent control and extermination measures.
Use disposable paper towels, cloths, or old newspapers for cleaning to avoid stirring up contaminated dust. Seal waste in garbage bags before disposal.
For more information, please visit the CDC website (https://www.cdc.gov.tw) or call the toll-free hotline 1922 (or 0800-001922).
If you experience any unusual symptoms, please seek medical care promptly and report to the School Health Center (Tel: 02-7749-3111) or the Designated Advisor’s Office (Tel: 02-7749-3123).
Note: The health education promotional image is from a press release issued by the Taipei City Government Department of Health (https://reurl.cc/eVN5Lm).