According to the statistics compiled by the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) for Dengue Outbreak, a total of additional 316 indigenous dengue cases were confirmed in Taiwan on November 15, 2015, including 287 cases in Kaohsiung City and 23 cases in Tainan City. The number of new cases reported in Kaohsiung City is 77 cases more than that reported during the same day last week, while the number of new cases reported in Tainan City is the same as that reported during the same day last week.

Currently, dengue activity remains at its peak in Kaohsiung City. On November 15, the Environmental Protection Administration’s (EPA) Deputy Minister, Mr. Chang Tzi-chin (張子敬), visited Kaohsiung to supervise the cleaning of vector breeding sites in the hot spots of the ongoing outbreak. In addition, the general environmental supervision committee of EPA collaborated with the northern region, the central region and the southern region environmental supervision teams, the National Police Agency of the Ministry of the Interior, and the Environmental Protection Bureau of the Kaohsiung City Government to conduct re-inspection activities on vector breeding sites in the hot spots of the ongoing outbreak to ensure thorough cleaning of vector breeding sites. Although dengue outbreak has been brought under control in Tainan City, the Tainan City Government will continue to implement its dengue prevention and control efforts to ensure effective dengue control.

Since this summer, a cumulative total of 33,984 indigenous dengue cases, including 22,387 cases in Tainan City, 10,966 cases in Kaohsiung City, 208 cases in Pingtung City and imported and sporadic cases in other cities and counties, have been confirmed. On November 15, 1 new death that might be associated with dengue infection was reported. Thus far, a cumulative total of 150 deaths, including 111 deaths in Tainan City, 37 deaths in Kaohsiung City, and 2 deaths in Pingtung City, were found to be linked with dengue infection. 33 deaths, including 26 from Kaohsiung City, 6 from Tainan City, and 1 from Pingtung County, are still waiting to be reviewed. Currently, 36 dengue patients are being treated in the intensive care unit. 92.9 % of the total reported cases, which is 31,572 patients, have recovered.

CECC for Dengue Outbreak reminds the public to continue to empty and clean vector breeding sites in and around the residence to prevent dengue transmission. When dengue fever is diagnosed, please follow the doctor’s instructions in completing the treatment, drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration, and rest at home as much as possible to prevent the further spread of the virus through mosquitoes. In addition, the public is urged to take precautions against mosquito bites when traveling. For more information, please visit the Taiwan CDC website at http://www.cdc.gov.tw or call the toll-free Communicable Disease Reporting and Consultation Hotline, 1922 (or 0800-001922).