On October 7, 2008, Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (Taiwan CDC) received a report of suspected dengue fever. The case developed fever and muscle and joint pain on October 3, 2008 after a trip to Vietnam. The case notified Taiwan CDC directly by using the “Self-Notification System” on the Taiwan CDC website. In accordance with the sixth article of the Incentive Program for the Prevention of Infectious Disease: “Whoever notifies the authority with any suspected case of Dengue Fever, which is later tested positive and confirmed to be either indigenous or imported, should receive a reward of NT$2500 for every case confirmed.
Several reasons, including climate change, frequent international interaction and increasing number of business travelers and tourists, help contribute to a higher possibility of disease transmission from one country to another. The inflow of labors from Southeast Asia and the increase in the number of visitors, workers and spouses of foreign nationals in Taiwan should also be taken into account while monitoring the spread of imported diseases.In order to obtain real-time information and take immediate measures to prevent a possible epidemic of infectious disease, Taiwan CDC encourages the public to report to the health authorities as soon as they experience or witness suspected symptoms.To report a case, people can either visit their local health bureau or health center for blood test, or use Taiwan CDC’s online “Self-Notification System” (http://203.65.72.63/self_notify/). As soon as a report is sent via the system, Taiwan CDC will notify related health authorities to take further preventive measures and assist the infected person to the hospital for examination or arrange other control measures if necessary. For more information about infectious diseases, please visit the Taiwan CDC website at http://www.cdc.gov.tw or dial the toll-free hotline, 1922, operated by Taiwan CDC.