On September 24, 2010, the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (Taiwan CDC) announced the first indigenous case of dengue fever that occurred in Taipei County this year. The case is a 27-year-old female who resides in Wensheng Township, Banciao City.As the peak season for dengue has approached, Taiwan CDC once again urges the public to clean up vector-breeding sites to prevent dengue transmission.

According to Taiwan CDC, the patient developed symptoms such as fever, muscle pain, joint pain, dry mouth and tongue, and headache on September 21.On the same day, she sought medical attention at a clinic. When her symptoms persisted on the following day, she sought further medical attention at another clinic.On September 23, she sought medical attention at a hospital and was reported to the health authority as a suspected dengue case.Taiwan CDC later confirmed dengue fever in the case.According to the initial epidemiological investigation, the case has not traveled to the southern part of Taiwan or out of the country.Hence, she is an indigenous case of dengue fever.Further, none of the other 3 family members in her household have developed suspected symptoms.The collection of specimens from the family members is underway.

As of September 23, 2010, a total of 289 dengue fever cases have been reported in the nation. As of August, 2010, a total of 239 indigenous cases have been reported, including 171 cases in Kaohsiung City, 35 cases in Tainan County, 27 cases in Tainan City, 2 cases in Pintung County, 2 cases in Kaohsiung County, 1 case in Taipei City, and 1 case in Taipei County. In addition, a total of 2 indigenous cases of dengue hemorrhagic fever, including 1 case in Kaohsiung City and 1 case in Tainan County, have been reported and one of the cases has died.

Taiwan CDC urges the public to stay vigilant against the disease 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 dengue hemorrhagic fever and protect their health and the health of their family.

For any questions or further information on dengue fever or dengue hemorrhagic fever, please call the toll-free Communicable Disease Case Reporting and Consultation Hotline 1922, or visit the Taiwan CDC’s website: http://www.cdc.gov.tw.