According to statistics compiled by the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (Taiwan CDC), during June 23 and 29, 2015, a total of 20 new dengue cases, including 13 indigenous dengue cases and 7 imported dengue cases from Myanmar, Indonesia, Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia and Costa Rica, were confirmed in Taiwan. Among the indigenous cases, 2 were confirmed in Hsinchu County, 6 were confirmed in Kaohsiung City, including 4 in Zuoying District and 2 in Nanzih District, and 5 were confirmed in Tainan City, including 3 in North District and 2 in East District. Thus far this year, a cumulative total of 162 indigenous dengue cases have been confirmed in Taiwan. 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 infection of dengue fever.

Hsinchu County reported this year’s first two indigenous cases. The index patient lives in a temple in Yuanshan Village, Sinfong Township and had not recently traveled overseas or visited the Kao-Ping Area. On June 18, the case developed fever, weakness in limbs and diarrhea. On June 23, the case developed rash on the entire body. The case was reported to the health authorities after seeking medical attention three times since June Infection with dengue fever was confirmed on June 26. Another case also volunteers at the same temple and resides in Zhubei City. On June 23, the case developed dizziness and fever. On June 27, specimens were collected from the contacts. On June 29, infection was confirmed in the case. Health authorities have implemented relevant prevention and control measures.

Among the newly confirmed cases in Kaoshiung City, 4 are associated with the cluster around a farmer market in Nanzih District, which has resulted in 30 cases. New cases have continued to occur in Nazhi District. 1 case has been confirmed in the Kaohsiung Veterans Home in Nanzih District, Kaohsiung City. According to the surveillance data collected by Taiwan CDC, the ongoing outbreaks in Tainan City and Kaohsiung City are showing signs of expansion, indicating potential breeding sites have not been removed. Taiwan CDC will continue to closely monitor the development of these outbreaks. On the other hand, relevant central government agencies will continue to reinforce the management and patrolling of houses and buildings managed by governments, vacant lands and vacant buildings to eliminate any possible vector breeding sites.

During the last week, the average interval between the date for the indigenous case to seek first medical treatment and the date of the case being reported is 3.2 days and the average number of seeking medical treatment is 2.0 times, which are both lower than those reported the week before last week. For some cases, the interval between the date of seeking first medical treatment and the date of reporting is as long as 11 days and the number of seeking medical treatment is up to 6 times. 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 and healthcare facilities 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).