According to the statistics compiled by the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) for Dengue Outbreak, a total of additional 239 indigenous dengue cases were confirmed in Taiwan on November 9, 2015, including 195 cases in Kaohsiung City and 33 cases in Tainan City. The number of new cases reported in Kaohsiung City is 57 cases less than that reported during the same day last week, while the number of new cases reported in Tainan City is 43 cases less than that reported during the same day last week.

The number of new cases reported in Tainan City has been declining for seven consecutive weeks, while the number of new cases reported in Kaohsiung City is about 10% up from that reported last week. In other words, dengue activity in Kaohsiung City remains at its peak. Since this summer, a cumulative total of 31,995 indigenous dengue cases, including 22,195 cases in Tainan City, 9,219 cases in Kaohsiung City, 180 cases in Pingtung City and imported and sporadic cases in other cities and counties, have been confirmed. On November 9, 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. 30 deaths, including 21 from Kaohsiung City, 8 from Tainan City, and 1 from Pingtung County, are still waiting to be reviewed. Currently, 27 dengue patients are being treated in the intensive care unit. 94.0 % of the total reported cases, which is 30,065 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 maintain effective dengue control. In addition, travelers visiting areas affected by dengue are advised to take precautions against mosquito bites such as wearing light-colored clothing, long sleeves and long pants, and applying officially approved mosquito repellent to exposed parts of the body. After returning home from the affected area, 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. 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.

Furthermore, 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. On the other hand, as high-risk patients, including elderly patient and individuals with chronic medical conditions, are more prone to more severe disease and complications, they are urged to watch for the development of warning signs such as lethargy, vomiting and abdominal pain in order to ensure timely treatment and reduce the risk of complication and death. 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).