According to the statistics compiled by the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) for Dengue Outbreak, a total of additional 240 indigenous dengue cases were confirmed in Taiwan on November 8, 2015, including 210 cases in Kaohsiung City and 23 cases in Tainan City. The number of new cases reported in Kaohsiung City is 10 cases more than that reported during the same day last week, while the number of new cases reported in Tainan City is 31 cases less than that reported during the same day last week.

Currently, the dengue outbreak in Tainan City has been brought under control, while dengue activity remains at its peak in Kaohsiung City. The Kaohsiung City Government completed the implementation of the fourth phase of vector site cleaning program on November 8 and will soon begin inspection activities to evaluate the outcome of the aforementioned efforts. On the other hand, the Tainan City Government has completed vector control and inspection activities.

Since this summer, a cumulative total of 31,756 indigenous dengue cases, including 22,162 cases in Tainan City, 9,024 cases in Kaohsiung City, 175 cases in Pingtung City and imported and sporadic cases in other cities and counties, have been confirmed. On November 8, 1 new death that might be associated with dengue infection was reported. Thus far, a cumulative total of 141 deaths, including 110 deaths in Tainan City, 29 deaths in Kaohsiung City, and 2 deaths in Pingtung City, were found to be linked with dengue infection. 29 deaths, including 21 from Kaohsiung City, 7 from Tainan City, and 1 from Pingtung County, are still waiting to be reviewed. Currently, 28 dengue patients are being treated in the intensive care unit. 92.9 % of the total reported cases, which is 29,498 patients, have recovered.

CECC for Dengue Outbreak stresses reminds the public to continue to empty and clean vector breeding sites to maintain effective dengue control. In addition, CECC for Dengue Outbreak also reminds the public that as dengue symptoms are similar to those of influenza-like illness, people who are eligible for the government-funded influenza vaccine, especially elderly and people with history of chronic medical conditions, to get vaccinated as soon as possible in order to prevent misdiagnosis and delayed treatment. 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. 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).