On May 6, 2012, the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (Taiwan CDC) confirmed this year’s first indigenous case of dengue fever in a 40-year-old female who resides in North District, Tainan City. On May 2, she sought medical attention at a clinic when she developed symptoms such as fever and muscle ache. On May 4, she sought further medical attention at another clinic when her fever persisted and was reported to the health authority as a suspected case of dengue fever by the physician. On May 5, her infection with dengue type 1 virus (DEN 1) was confirmed by Taiwan CDC. Upon receiving the report of the case, the local health authority immediately conducted an epidemiologic investigation and a thorough cleaning of vector breeding sites as well as implemented necessary disease control measures at and around the case’s residence and places frequently visited by the case in order to prevent further transmission. Further, four close contacts who reside in the same residence with the case have not developed symptoms pertaining to dengue fever.

According to statistics compiled by Taiwan CDC, as of May 5, a cumulative total of 14 indigenous dengue fever cases have been confirmed, including 13 cases from the 2011 epidemic season. Although the 13^th case developed symptoms on February 7, which was reported 13 weeks ago from this year’s first confirmed case, dengue season usually begins during late June and August. In other words, this year’s dengue season kicks off early. On top of that, factors such as an increased number of imported cases and rainy season will also further hinder this year’s dengue prevention efforts.  

Taiwan CDC once again urges the public to stay vigilant and take necessary measures such as draining water containers and cleaning up vector breeding sites around their residences as well as preventing mosquito bites to effectively prevent the spread of dengue fever and protect their own health and the health of their family. Taiwan CDC also advises the public to seek immediate medical attention when suspected symptoms such as ever, headache, retroorbital pain, arthralgia, myalgia, and rashes, and inform the doctor of any recent travel history and activity to facilitate prompt diagnosis. Taiwan CDC also urges physicians to remain vigilant against dengue fever and report a patient to the health authority if he/she develops suspected symptoms.

For more information on dengue fever epidemic and other related information, please visit the Taiwan CDC’s website at http://www.cdc.gov.tw or call the toll-free Communicable Disease Reporting and Consultation Hotline, 1922, or 0800-024582 if calling from a cell phone.