50-year-old Man Diagnosed with Melioidosis with Spleen Abscess; 19 Cases This Year Exceeding Past Four Years' Same Period
A 50-year-old man in Taiwan was diagnosed with melioidosis accompanied by a spleen abscess. This year, there have been 19 domestic cases, an increase compared to the same period over the past four years. The diabetic man experienced severe illness but recovered after about a month of hospitalization.
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- 📰 Published: May 12, 2026 at 16:41
- 🔍 Collected: May 12, 2026 at 17:02 (21 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 12, 2026 at 18:32 (1h 30m after Collected)
Central News Agency
(Central News Agency reporter Zeng Yining, Taipei, 12th) The Ministry of Health and Welfare's Centers for Disease Control (CDC) today announced one new case of melioidosis in Taiwan. A 50-year-old man from northern Taiwan with poorly controlled diabetes developed lower back and abdominal pain in early March, followed by fever, general weakness, and a spleen abscess. This year, a total of 19 cases have been accumulated domestically, higher than the 1 to 13 cases recorded during the same period from 2022 to 2025.
The Ministry of Health and Welfare's Centers for Disease Control today announced a new confirmed case of melioidosis in its regular weekly epidemic report. Epidemiologist Lin Yong-ching explained that the case involved a 50-year-old man from northern Taiwan with a history of diabetes, who was taking medication but had poor blood sugar control. He had no recent history of overseas travel. In early March, he began experiencing lower back and abdominal pain and sought medical attention at a clinic, taking oral medication, but his symptoms did not improve.
Lin Yong-ching stated that in mid-March, the patient developed fever and general weakness, and his symptoms persisted and worsened. He was later admitted to the emergency room due to difficulty breathing. Tests showed an increase in white blood cells, elevated inflammatory markers, and a spleen abscess on abdominal CT scan. He was given antibiotic treatment and hospitalized. After his condition improved, he was discharged in late April to recuperate at home, having been hospitalized for approximately one month.
Lin Yong-ching pointed out that on April 24, the hospital reported and sent a specimen for testing due to a suspected melioidosis bacterial strain cultured from the patient. The CDC laboratory later confirmed it to be positive for Burkholderia pseudomallei. However, epidemiological investigation showed that there were no typhoon floods in the patient's residential area, nor any history of contact with special animals or sewage sludge, making it impossible to determine the source of infection. However, due to his chronic disease history and poor control, his immune function may have been compromised, making him more susceptible to severe illness.
Li Jia-lin, Deputy Director of the CDC's Epidemic Command Center, stated that this year, a total of 19 indigenous melioidosis cases have been accumulated domestically, including one death, which is higher than the 1 to 13 indigenous cases during the same period from 2022 to 2025. The main age groups are 10 cases aged 65 and above, and 7 cases aged 50 to 64.
The CDC explained that the pathogen of melioidosis exists in contaminated soil, ponds, and stagnant water environments. In addition to contact transmission, it can also be transmitted through ingestion of contaminated water or inhalation. High-risk groups such as those with diabetes, lung disease, liver disease, kidney disease, cancer, or impaired immune function are more likely to develop severe illness after infection.
The CDC reminds the public that when cleaning indoor and outdoor environments, they should wear masks, waterproof gloves, and long rain boots. Remember to wash hands after removing protective gear. Drinking water should be thoroughly boiled, and tap water should be used to wash ingredients and fruits. In addition, if symptoms such as unexplained fever occur, seek medical attention promptly and inform the doctor about any history of contact with sewage sludge or animals, and occupational exposure history, for early diagnosis and treatment.
The CDC pointed out that with the arrival of the plum rain season and the upcoming typhoon season, wind and flood disasters may significantly increase the risk of melioidosis, reminding the public to pay attention to epidemic prevention. (Editor: Lung Po-an) 1150512
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(Central News Agency reporter Zeng Yining, Taipei, 12th) The Ministry of Health and Welfare's Centers for Disease Control (CDC) today announced one new case of melioidosis in Taiwan. A 50-year-old man from northern Taiwan with poorly controlled diabetes developed lower back and abdominal pain in early March, followed by fever, general weakness, and a spleen abscess. This year, a total of 19 cases have been accumulated domestically, higher than the 1 to 13 cases recorded during the same period from 2022 to 2025.
The Ministry of Health and Welfare's Centers for Disease Control today announced a new confirmed case of melioidosis in its regular weekly epidemic report. Epidemiologist Lin Yong-ching explained that the case involved a 50-year-old man from northern Taiwan with a history of diabetes, who was taking medication but had poor blood sugar control. He had no recent history of overseas travel. In early March, he began experiencing lower back and abdominal pain and sought medical attention at a clinic, taking oral medication, but his symptoms did not improve.
Lin Yong-ching stated that in mid-March, the patient developed fever and general weakness, and his symptoms persisted and worsened. He was later admitted to the emergency room due to difficulty breathing. Tests showed an increase in white blood cells, elevated inflammatory markers, and a spleen abscess on abdominal CT scan. He was given antibiotic treatment and hospitalized. After his condition improved, he was discharged in late April to recuperate at home, having been hospitalized for approximately one month.
Lin Yong-ching pointed out that on April 24, the hospital reported and sent a specimen for testing due to a suspected melioidosis bacterial strain cultured from the patient. The CDC laboratory later confirmed it to be positive for Burkholderia pseudomallei. However, epidemiological investigation showed that there were no typhoon floods in the patient's residential area, nor any history of contact with special animals or sewage sludge, making it impossible to determine the source of infection. However, due to his chronic disease history and poor control, his immune function may have been compromised, making him more susceptible to severe illness.
Li Jia-lin, Deputy Director of the CDC's Epidemic Command Center, stated that this year, a total of 19 indigenous melioidosis cases have been accumulated domestically, including one death, which is higher than the 1 to 13 indigenous cases during the same period from 2022 to 2025. The main age groups are 10 cases aged 65 and above, and 7 cases aged 50 to 64.
The CDC explained that the pathogen of melioidosis exists in contaminated soil, ponds, and stagnant water environments. In addition to contact transmission, it can also be transmitted through ingestion of contaminated water or inhalation. High-risk groups such as those with diabetes, lung disease, liver disease, kidney disease, cancer, or impaired immune function are more likely to develop severe illness after infection.
The CDC reminds the public that when cleaning indoor and outdoor environments, they should wear masks, waterproof gloves, and long rain boots. Remember to wash hands after removing protective gear. Drinking water should be thoroughly boiled, and tap water should be used to wash ingredients and fruits. In addition, if symptoms such as unexplained fever occur, seek medical attention promptly and inform the doctor about any history of contact with sewage sludge or animals, and occupational exposure history, for early diagnosis and treatment.
The CDC pointed out that with the arrival of the plum rain season and the upcoming typhoon season, wind and flood disasters may significantly increase the risk of melioidosis, reminding the public to pay attention to epidemic prevention. (Editor: Lung Po-an) 1150512
Choose to stand with facts, every sponsorship is a force to protect press freedom.
Download the Central News Agency "First-hand News" APP to stay updated with the latest news.
The text, images, and videos on this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, publicly transmitted, or utilized without authorization.