Taiwan’s President Lai Ching‑te Splashed With Vomit During Lunar New Year Event | Watch

Last Updated:February 19, 2026, 19:45 IST

During a Lunar New Year event in Tainan, a temple official vomited near President Lai Ching‑te, sparking norovirus concerns after the incident went viral on social media.

In a startling incident during a Lunar New Year event, an elderly man unexpectedly vomited during a public event in Taiwan, with the spray landing on the country’s President.

The incident, which quickly went viral on social media, reportedly happened while Lai Ching‑te was attending a public event in the southern city of Tainan.

In the video, Lin Pei-huo, head of the Sacrificial Rites Martial Temple, could be seen standing with local officials during a Lunar New Year celebration. Taiwan’s president was standing beside him in a red hoodie.

During the event, Lin suddenly started blinking rapidly and clenching his fists. Moments later, he quickly covered his mouth and vomited. Though he rushed away from the crowd, little bit of his vomit sprayed onto the President. Following the incident, the event was briefly halted.

According to Economic Times, witnesses said the temple official had a family member who was recently infected with norovirus, raising immediate concerns about possible exposure to the highly contagious illness.

Norovirus, also known as the “winter vomiting bug", is a viral infection that inflames an individual’s intestines, which causes stomach pain. However, it is not lethal and clears up after 1-3 days for most patients, although it can cause serious problems in vulnerable people and young children.

Common symptoms of norovirus are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, high fever, headaches and fatigue. The infection is also highly contagious, and can spread easily through contact, contaminated surfaces and food.

News world Taiwan’s President Lai Ching‑te Splashed With Vomit During Lunar New Year Event | Watch

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