On November 23, 2012, the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (Taiwan CDC) announced this year’s sixth death associated with dengue hemorrhagic fever. As of November 22, a cumulative total of 1,081 dengue cases have been confirmed (674 cases reside in Tainan City, 391 cases reside in Kaohsiung City, and 16 cases that reside in other City/County), including 23 dengue hemorrhagic fever cases and 6 deaths. All 6 deaths had a medical history of chronic illness or cancer. Hence, Taiwan CDC urges the public to remain vigilant against dengue virus and clean up and remove vector-breeding sites to prevent dengue transmission and dengue infection from worsening existing chronic illnesses. The public is also reminded to take prevention measures against dengue fever and seek immediate medical assistance when suspected symptoms developed.

The death associated with dengue hemorrhagic fever was a 95-year-old male who resided in Siaogang District, Kaohsiung City. He had a medical history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and cancer. On November 8, he developed symptoms such as fever, loss of appetite and respiratory distress. Subsequently, during his stay at the hospital, he developed fever, gastrointestinal bleeding, decreased platelet count, and pleural effusion. On November 15, he was diagnosed with dengue fever. Nevertheless, the case unfortunately passed away on November 20 and his death was determined to be associated with dengue hemorrhagic fever. One of the other three family members residing in the same household, the case’s wife, developed suspected symptoms and was also diagnosed with dengue fever. Currently, the wife has not experienced any discomfort. Taiwan CDC once again urges the public to clean up and remove vector-breeding sites to prevent dengue transmission.

On the other hand, according to statistics compiled by Taiwan CDC, the number of dengue cases reported in Tainan City this year is more than that in Kaoshiung City, while the number of dengue hemorrhagic fever cases reported in Kaoshiung City this year is more than that in Tainan City. The possibility of developing dengue hemorrhagic fever is significantly higher in people who reside in areas where dengue is endemic when they become infected with dengue fever. Hence, Taiwan CDC urges the public to voluntarily remove standing water, clean up vector breeding sites and reduce the number of water-storage containers in and around residences at least once a week to prevent the spread of dengue fever. Taiwan CDC emphasizes if symptoms such as fever, headache, fatigue, retroorbital pain, myalgia, and arthragia develop, please seek immediate medical attention and inform the doctor of any recent travel history and activity to facilitate prompt diagnosis and case reporting. For any questions or further information on dengue fever or dengue hemorrhagic fever, please call the toll-free Communicable Disease Reporting and Consultation Hotline, 1922, or 0800-024582 if calling from a cell phone, or visit the Taiwan CDC’s website at http://www.cdc.gov.tw.