Many Seek Medical Attention During Baishatun Mazu Pilgrimage: Exhaustion, A-type Flu Reported
During the Baishatun Mazu pilgrimage, 12 pilgrims were admitted to Dajia Lee General Hospital due to exhaustion, dehydration, cramps, and some even contracted A-type influenza. The emergency room director, Zhang Hong-wen, emphasized the importance of wearing masks, handwashing, adequate hydration, and resting to prevent further spread and health issues. He warned about the high contagiousness of A-type influenza.
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- 📰 Published: April 14, 2026 at 11:53
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TAICHUNG, Taiwan (CNA) -- The Baishatun Gongtian Temple Mazu pilgrimage procession from Tongxiao Township, Miaoli County, began on April 12. Dajia Lee General Hospital's emergency room admitted 12 pilgrims on April 13, ranging from their 20s to 50s, mostly due to exhaustion from staying up late, physical fatigue, and cramps, with some also infected with A-type influenza.
The Baishatun Gongtian Temple Mazu pilgrimage procession entered Taichung City on the morning of April 13, with devotees enthusiastically following the goddess. Dajia Lee General Hospital issued a press release today, stating that emergency room director Zhang Hong-wen noted that pilgrims had been feeling unwell and seeking emergency care even before the Mazu pilgrimage began, with ages ranging from 20s to 50s.
Zhang Hong-wen said that most patients usually do not exercise regularly. To follow the Mazu pilgrimage, they stayed up all night without sleep, walked with the palanquin after it set off, and continued to trek south despite sleep deprivation and physical exhaustion, resulting in dizziness, fainting, and leg cramps that prevented them from walking, leading to their hospitalization. With daytime temperatures exceeding 30 degrees Celsius, some devotees suffered from heat-related issues due to insufficient hydration and were also sent to the emergency room.
Zhang Hong-wen revealed that a man in his 30s, who was supposed to join the procession on the day Mazu set off, sought medical attention due to weakness, fever, headache, and muscle aches. He was unexpectedly diagnosed with A-type influenza and was hospitalized due to severe symptoms. Fortunately, he did not join the pilgrimage, otherwise, the virus could have spread to more people.
Zhang Hong-wen pointed out that A-type influenza is highly contagious, primarily transmitted through respiratory droplets, with an incubation period of about 1 to 4 days. Symptoms include cough, high fever, headache, and muscle aches. Since the Mazu pilgrimage travels from central to southern Taiwan, if any pilgrim with influenza disregards it and does not wear a mask, it could lead to a major outbreak. He reminded devotees to wear masks in crowded areas and wash their hands frequently.
Zhang Hong-wen stated that based on past experience, during pilgrimages in high temperatures, many pilgrims do not drink enough water. Mild symptoms include heatstroke, while severe cases can lead to rhabdomyolysis. Insufficient hydration can also thicken the blood, potentially causing myocardial infarction. He reminded the public to remember to drink plenty of water, rest when tired during the pilgrimage, and never push themselves. (Editor: Li Shu-hua) 1150414
The Baishatun Gongtian Temple Mazu pilgrimage procession entered Taichung City on the morning of April 13, with devotees enthusiastically following the goddess. Dajia Lee General Hospital issued a press release today, stating that emergency room director Zhang Hong-wen noted that pilgrims had been feeling unwell and seeking emergency care even before the Mazu pilgrimage began, with ages ranging from 20s to 50s.
Zhang Hong-wen said that most patients usually do not exercise regularly. To follow the Mazu pilgrimage, they stayed up all night without sleep, walked with the palanquin after it set off, and continued to trek south despite sleep deprivation and physical exhaustion, resulting in dizziness, fainting, and leg cramps that prevented them from walking, leading to their hospitalization. With daytime temperatures exceeding 30 degrees Celsius, some devotees suffered from heat-related issues due to insufficient hydration and were also sent to the emergency room.
Zhang Hong-wen revealed that a man in his 30s, who was supposed to join the procession on the day Mazu set off, sought medical attention due to weakness, fever, headache, and muscle aches. He was unexpectedly diagnosed with A-type influenza and was hospitalized due to severe symptoms. Fortunately, he did not join the pilgrimage, otherwise, the virus could have spread to more people.
Zhang Hong-wen pointed out that A-type influenza is highly contagious, primarily transmitted through respiratory droplets, with an incubation period of about 1 to 4 days. Symptoms include cough, high fever, headache, and muscle aches. Since the Mazu pilgrimage travels from central to southern Taiwan, if any pilgrim with influenza disregards it and does not wear a mask, it could lead to a major outbreak. He reminded devotees to wear masks in crowded areas and wash their hands frequently.
Zhang Hong-wen stated that based on past experience, during pilgrimages in high temperatures, many pilgrims do not drink enough water. Mild symptoms include heatstroke, while severe cases can lead to rhabdomyolysis. Insufficient hydration can also thicken the blood, potentially causing myocardial infarction. He reminded the public to remember to drink plenty of water, rest when tired during the pilgrimage, and never push themselves. (Editor: Li Shu-hua) 1150414