According to the statistics compiled by the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) for Dengue Outbreak, a total of additional 514 indigenous dengue cases were confirmed on September 30, 2015, including 418 cases in Tainan City and 90 cases in Kaohsiung City. The number of new cases reported in Tainan City is 167 cases less than that reported last week, while the number of new cases reported in Kaohsiung City is 6 cases less than that reported less week.

On average, the number of average new weekly cases reported in Tainan City has been on the decline, indicating dengue activity in the city is slowing down. On the other hand, the number of average new weekly cases reported in Kaohsiung City remains about the same.

Since this summer, a cumulative total of 18,879 indigenous dengue cases, including 16,211 cases in Tainan City, 2,356 cases in Kaohsiung City, 79 cases in Pingtung City and imported and sporadic cases in other cities in counties, have been confirmed. 5 new deaths that might be associated with dengue infection were reported. Thus far, a cumulative total of 56 deaths were found to be linked with dengue infection. 43 deaths, including 41 from Tainan City and 2 from Kaohsiung City, are still waiting to be reviewed. Currently, 54 dengue patients are being treated in the intensive care unit. More than 80% of the reported cases have recovered and been discharged.

As Typhoon Dujuan just passed through Taiwan and we are still at the peak of dengue season, CECC for Dengue Outbreak will continue to remain vigilant and closely monitor the development of the outbreak. The public is once again urged to reinforce the emptying and cleaning of vector breeding sites in and around their residences.

CECC for Dengue Outbreak reminds travelers visiting dengue-affected areas to take precautions against mosquito bites and remain vigilant for 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.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 mosquito bites and the further spread of the virus. For more 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).