First Imported Case of Lyme Disease This Year: Transmission Routes and Prevention Q&A
Taiwan has reported its first imported case of Lyme disease this year, bringing the total to 21 imported cases since 2007. Caused by Borrelia burgdorferi and transmitted by infected ticks, Lyme disease is not spread human-to-human. Symptoms, appearing 3-30 days post-infection, resemble a cold, with 70-80% of cases developing erythema migrans, requiring about 14 days of antibiotic treatment. Prevention includes protective clothing, insect repellent during outdoor activities, and checking for ticks.
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- 📰 Published: April 8, 2026 at 13:31
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Lyme disease, caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, is mainly distributed in temperate regions worldwide, including neighboring Japan, South Korea, mainland China, the northeastern United States, Europe, the United Kingdom, and Canada.
Since 2007, Taiwan has listed Lyme disease as a Category IV communicable disease, accumulating 21 confirmed cases to date, all of which were imported. The majority of infections (13 cases) originated from the United States, with the remainder from European countries such as Sweden, the United Kingdom, and France.
Lyme disease is a zoonotic disease transmitted through the bite of infected ticks (commonly known as dog ticks) and is not spread from person to person. It typically affects individuals engaged in outdoor activities or those with pets who are bitten.
(Provided by the CDC) What are the symptoms of Lyme disease? The incubation period for Lyme disease is approximately 3 to 30 days, with an average of 7 days. Initial symptoms are similar to a cold, including fever, headache, general fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and muscle aches. About 70-80% of cases develop "erythema migrans," characterized by an annular erythematous rash with central clearing, local warmth, and usually no pain. It requires at least about 14 days of antibiotic treatment.
Dr. Lin Yung-ching, an epidemiologist at the CDC, added that even without treatment, erythema migrans usually resolves spontaneously within 3 to 4 weeks. However, this does not mean recovery; instead, joint pain or cardiac neurological abnormalities may appear several weeks to months later. If the disease progresses for several years, some patients may develop complications such as meningitis and pericarditis.
(Provided by the CDC) How to prevent Lyme disease? Since Lyme disease is primarily transmitted through tick bites, protective measures should be enhanced during outdoor activities. These include wearing light-colored long-sleeved shirts and pants, gloves, and high socks, tucking pant legs into socks, and using insect repellent when appropriate.
After returning from outdoor activities, check for tick bites or attachments, and shower and change clothes as soon as possible. If a tick bite is found, gently remove the tick's mouthparts with tweezers to prevent them from remaining in the body, and immediately wash the bite area with soap.
At the same time, attention should be paid to maintaining a clean living environment and avoiding contact with rodents or pets and wild animals from unknown sources.
Since 2007, Taiwan has listed Lyme disease as a Category IV communicable disease, accumulating 21 confirmed cases to date, all of which were imported. The majority of infections (13 cases) originated from the United States, with the remainder from European countries such as Sweden, the United Kingdom, and France.
Lyme disease is a zoonotic disease transmitted through the bite of infected ticks (commonly known as dog ticks) and is not spread from person to person. It typically affects individuals engaged in outdoor activities or those with pets who are bitten.
(Provided by the CDC) What are the symptoms of Lyme disease? The incubation period for Lyme disease is approximately 3 to 30 days, with an average of 7 days. Initial symptoms are similar to a cold, including fever, headache, general fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and muscle aches. About 70-80% of cases develop "erythema migrans," characterized by an annular erythematous rash with central clearing, local warmth, and usually no pain. It requires at least about 14 days of antibiotic treatment.
Dr. Lin Yung-ching, an epidemiologist at the CDC, added that even without treatment, erythema migrans usually resolves spontaneously within 3 to 4 weeks. However, this does not mean recovery; instead, joint pain or cardiac neurological abnormalities may appear several weeks to months later. If the disease progresses for several years, some patients may develop complications such as meningitis and pericarditis.
(Provided by the CDC) How to prevent Lyme disease? Since Lyme disease is primarily transmitted through tick bites, protective measures should be enhanced during outdoor activities. These include wearing light-colored long-sleeved shirts and pants, gloves, and high socks, tucking pant legs into socks, and using insect repellent when appropriate.
After returning from outdoor activities, check for tick bites or attachments, and shower and change clothes as soon as possible. If a tick bite is found, gently remove the tick's mouthparts with tweezers to prevent them from remaining in the body, and immediately wash the bite area with soap.
At the same time, attention should be paid to maintaining a clean living environment and avoiding contact with rodents or pets and wild animals from unknown sources.
FAQ
What is the main transmission route for Lyme disease?
Lyme disease is primarily transmitted through the bite of infected ticks and is not spread from person to person.
What are the initial symptoms of Lyme disease?
The incubation period for Lyme disease is about 3 to 30 days. Initial symptoms are similar to a cold, including fever, headache, general fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and muscle aches. About 70-80% of cases also develop "erythema migrans."