According to statistics compiled by the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (Taiwan CDC), during July 28 and August 3, 2015, a total of 124 new dengue cases, including 114 indigenous dengue cases and 10 imported dengue cases (6 from the Philippines and 1 each from Indonesia, Vietnam, Tailand, and Cambodia), were confirmed in Taiwan.　Among the indigenous cases, 102 were confirmed in Tainan City, 10 were confirmed in Kaohsiung City, and 1 each was confirmed in Chiayi County and Pingtung County. 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 in and around residences 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.

The number of newly confirmed cases reported in Tainan City last week is 1.3 times more than that reported the week before last week, reaching a new record over the last decade. Most cases (85) were reported in North District, accounting for approximately 75% of the total. The epidemic is showing signs of expansion to the surrounding districts. On the other hand, imported cases have been reported in Chiayi County. Several districts in Tainan City are being closely monitor for further development.

Among the 10 new cases reported in Kaohsiung City, 3 are imported from North District, Tainan City while the others are locally acquired infections. Since this summer, the first case has been recently confirmed in Pingtung County and is determined to be a locally acquired infection. The Breteau Index in most villages are relatively high, prompting the risk of community transmission remains. Thus far this year, a cumulative total of 432 indigenous dengue cases have been confirmed in Taiwan. Since this May, a cumulative total of 330 indigenous dengue cases have been confirmed, including 251 cases in Tainan City, 71 cases in Kaohsiung City, 3 cases in Hsinchu County, 2 cases in Taichung City, 2 cases in Chiayi County, and 1 in Pingtung County.

Currently, DEN-2 is the dominant strain circulating in Tainan City, while DEN-1 is the dominant strain circulating in Kaohsiung City. When a patient has been infected with different types of dengue virus, the chance that the patient will develop complications is increased. 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).