According to surveillance data compiled by the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (Taiwan CDC), during May 12 and 18, 6 new indigenous dengue cases and 2 imported dengue cases were confirmed. 5 of the new indigenous cases were confirmed in Nanzih District, Kaohsiung City. According to the epidemiological investigation, the 5 cases had all visited the same market, while the other 1 new case resides in Cianjhen District, Kaohsiung City.

Thus far this year, as of May 18, 2015, a cumulative total of 108 indigenous cases of dengue fever have been confirmed. The majority of the cases reside in Kaohsiung City. However, some cases delayed seeking medical attention 5 days after disease onset and some cases were only reported to the health authority 2 to 5 days after seeking medical attention for the first time. Most cases were reported only after seeking medical attention 2 to 3 times. As a result, the risk of an epidemic outbreak is thus increased. The public is urged to seek prompt medical attention when suspected symptoms develop. Physicians are advised to stay vigilant for suspected cases to ensure timely case reporting, which will facilitate subsequent implementation of prevention measures.

Taiwan CDC stresses that we have entered the dengue season and there is currently no effective vaccine or cure for dengue fever. As dengue fever is transmitted by vector mosquitoes, including Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, in Taiwan, besides taking personal precautions against mosquito bites, the public is urged to regularly remove vector-breeding sites, ensure the cleanliness of the environment as well as recycle all unwanted containers in and around the residence in order to prevent the breeding of the vector mosquito.

If symptoms such as fever, headache, retroorbital pain, myalgia, arthragia, and rash develop after returning to Taiwan from an area at high risk for dengue fever, 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. In addition, since some patients experience very mild symptoms, to effectively prevent the introduction of dengue virus into the community, physicians are advised to be vigilant for suspected cases, inquire about such patients’ travel history, and notify any suspected cases to the health authority immediately to facilitate implementation of subsequent measures that prevent further transmission of the disease. For more information, please visit the Taiwan CDC website at http://www.cdc.gov.tw or call the toll-free Communicable Disease Reporting and Consultation Hotline, 1922 (or 0800-001922).