According to statistics compiled by the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (Taiwan CDC), during July 21 and 27, 2015, a total of 89 new dengue cases, including 85 indigenous dengue cases and 4 imported dengue cases from Indonesia, Myanmar, and Malaysia, were confirmed in Taiwan. Among the indigenous cases, 78 were confirmed in Tainan City, 6 were confirmed in Kaohsiung City, and 1 was confirmed in Taichung City. As dengue activity has rapidly increased in southern Taiwan and intermittent heavy downpours continue to occur, the public is once again urged to reinforce the removal of vector-breeding sites and ensure the cleanliness of the environment as well as recycle all unwanted containers and take personal precautions against mosquito bites in order to prevent the transmission of dengue fever.

Among the 89 indigenous cases confirmed last week, the majority of the cases were reported in Tainan City, indicating the outbreak is expanding. In addition, new sporadic cases have been confirmed in Kaohsiung City and the Breteau Index in most villages are relatively high, prompting the risk of community transmission remains.

Thus far this year, a cumulative total of 318 indigenous dengue cases have been confirmed in Taiwan. Since this May, a cumulative total of 216 indigenous dengue cases have been confirmed, including 149 cases in Tainan City, 61 cases in Kaohsiung City, 3 cases in Hsinchu County, 2 cases in Taichung City, and 1 in Chiayi County.

As thoroughly eliminating vector breeding sources is the most effective way to prevent dengue fever, the public is once again urged to reinforce the removing of vector-breeding sites in and around their residences to ward off infection and ensure their own health and the health of others. People are advised to wear light-colored, long-sleeved shirts and long pants, and apply officially approved mosquito repellent to exposed body parts to prevent mosquito bites and lower the risk of contracting dengue fever. If symptoms such as fever, headache, retroorbital pain, myalgia, arthralgia, and rash develop, please seek immediate medical attention and inform the doctor of any relevant medical history, recent travel history and activity to facilitate prompt diagnosis and case reporting. Physicians are advised to be vigilant for suspected cases and notify any suspected cases to the health authority immediately to facilitate implementation of subsequent measures that prevent further transmission of the disease. For any questions or further information, please visit the Taiwan CDC’s website at http://www.cdc.gov.tw or call the toll-free Communicable Disease Reporting and Care Hotline, 1922 (or 0800-001922).