Taiwan's Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reported four new domestic cases of mpox on August 20, with the strain identified as clade IIb, which differs from the clade Ib strain currently driving a global outbreak. The new cases, reported between August 13 and August 19, involve individuals aged in their 20s to 40s from northern and southern Taiwan. Notably, none of these individuals had been vaccinated against mpox, as reported by Focus Taiwan (CNA).

CDC Deputy Director-General Lo Yi-chun clarified that while Taiwan's cases are caused by the clade IIb strain, the strain of concern in the ongoing global outbreak, which has prompted heightened travel advisories, is clade Ib.

The World Health Organization declared the outbreak in Africa a public health emergency of international concern on August 14, leading the CDC to raise its travel health notices for seven African nations due to the high transmission and mortality rates associated with clade Ib. As part of this response, the Democratic Republic of the Congo's alert level has been increased, and six other countries have been placed on a monitoring watch.

In a related update, Taiwan has seen a significant rise in mpox vaccinations, with 807 administered last week—a 35% increase from the previous week. This surge in vaccination efforts comes as the CDC plans a meeting on August 22 to discuss prevention strategies and refine vaccination targets.

In addition to mpox concerns, Taiwan is grappling with a notable increase in melioidosis cases. The CDC reported 17 local cases last week, pushing the annual total to 54—the highest figure since 2006. These cases predominantly affect individuals in their 50s to 80s, with a significant concentration in Kaohsiung, Tainan, Pingtung County, and Taichung in the central region and south of the country. Many of these patients had prior exposure to contaminated environments, such as sewage or soil.

The spike in melioidosis cases follows Typhoon Gaemi, which struck Taiwan in late July. The disease, caused by the bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei, has a higher incidence post-typhoon, often affecting those with chronic illnesses. The CDC has advised heightened vigilance in flooded areas, particularly for residents and healthcare workers, as the disease can have a prolonged incubation period.