Baishatun Mazu Pilgrimage: Multiple Pilgrims Hospitalized for Exhaustion and Type A Flu
On April 13, 2026, twelve pilgrims participating in the Baishatun Mazu pilgrimage were admitted to Dajia Lee General Hospital in Taichung. Patients, aged between 20s and 50s, presented with symptoms including exhaustion, muscle cramps, and heat-related illnesses due to prolonged walking in temperatures over 30°C and lack of sleep. One pilgrim was diagnosed with Type A influenza and hospitalized, prompting warnings from Emergency Department Director Zhang Hongwen about flu transmission risks in crowded environments and general health precautions during the event.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 14, 2026 at 11:53
- 🔍 Collected: April 14, 2026 at 12:01 (8 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 14, 2026 at 13:19 (1h 17m after Collected)
The Baishatun Gongtian Temple Mazu pilgrimage began on April 12. On April 13, Dajia Lee General Hospital in Taichung admitted 12 pilgrims ("xiangdengjiao") ranging from their 20s to 50s. Emergency Department Director Zhang Hongwen reported that these individuals primarily suffered from physical exhaustion, muscle cramps, and dehydration, often exacerbated by staying awake all night and walking long distances in high temperatures exceeding 30 degrees Celsius. Some were found to have contracted Type A influenza.
Zhang Hongwen noted that many patients lacked regular exercise habits. He recounted a case where a man in his 30s, intending to join the pilgrimage on its starting day, was diagnosed with Type A flu and hospitalized due to severe symptoms, preventing potential viral spread.
Zhang Hongwen emphasized the highly contagious nature of Type A influenza, transmitted via droplets with an incubation period of 1 to 4 days, causing symptoms like cough, high fever, headache, and muscle aches. He warned of a potential large-scale outbreak if infected pilgrims disregard symptoms or fail to wear masks in crowded areas, especially as the pilgrimage traverses central to southern Taiwan. He also reiterated advice for pilgrims to stay hydrated, rest when tired, and take precautions against heat-related illnesses such as heatstroke, rhabdomyolysis, and myocardial infarction.
Zhang Hongwen noted that many patients lacked regular exercise habits. He recounted a case where a man in his 30s, intending to join the pilgrimage on its starting day, was diagnosed with Type A flu and hospitalized due to severe symptoms, preventing potential viral spread.
Zhang Hongwen emphasized the highly contagious nature of Type A influenza, transmitted via droplets with an incubation period of 1 to 4 days, causing symptoms like cough, high fever, headache, and muscle aches. He warned of a potential large-scale outbreak if infected pilgrims disregard symptoms or fail to wear masks in crowded areas, especially as the pilgrimage traverses central to southern Taiwan. He also reiterated advice for pilgrims to stay hydrated, rest when tired, and take precautions against heat-related illnesses such as heatstroke, rhabdomyolysis, and myocardial infarction.