Taipei: Four new Mpox cases have been confirmed in Taiwan, and the risk of the disease spreading is expected to remain high until September, the Centers of Disease Control (CDC) said Tuesday. The cases include three domestic infections and one imported case from China, with all individuals showing symptoms like rashes, blisters, and pustules starting in early July, as reported by the CDC during its regular press briefing.

According to Focus Taiwan, CDC spokesperson Lo Yi-chun stated that the newly reported cases involve males in their 30s who had not received vaccinations. Lo highlighted that the period from July to September has historically seen spikes in Mpox cases, largely due to increased international travel, large gatherings, and social activities during the summer months.

Lo urged those at risk to get vaccinated promptly and to take preventive measures against the disease. The CDC recommends Mpox vaccines for individuals who have engaged in risky sexual behavior over the past year, those who have had sexually-transmitted diseases, and individuals who have had sexual contact with anyone in these categories.

CDC statistics indicate that receiving two doses of the vaccine reduces the risk of infection, serious symptoms, and death by 90 percent, compared to 40-80 percent for those who have only received one dose. As of Sunday, 99,691 people have been vaccinated once, and 68,484 people have received two doses. Since June 23, 2022, a total of 473 Mpox cases have been reported.

Additionally, all reported cases in Taiwan have been of the Clade IIb strain, not the Clade I strain, according to Lo.