According to the statistics compiled by the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) for Dengue Outbreak, a total of additional 455 indigenous dengue cases were confirmed in Taiwan on November 20, 2015, including 419 cases in Kaohsiung City and 24 cases in Tainan City. The number of new cases reported in Kaohsiung City is 159 cases more than that reported during the same day last week, while the number of new cases reported in Tainan City is 7 cases less than that reported during the same day last week.

As dengue activity stays at its peak in Kaohsiung City, on November 20, the Environmental Protection Administration (EPA) continued to implement the fifth phase of vector site cleaning program in 37 villages in Kaohsiung City, including Sanmin District, Cianjhen District, Lingya District, and Fongshan District. Moreover, the Kaohsiung City Government formed mobile squads of over 160 personnel to assist the general public in cleaning and removing of vector breeding sites and promoting dengue awareness. Furthermore, beginning November 20, the Kaohsiung City Government mobilized over 400 people from 14 agencies under the government to partake in emergency dengue prevention and control response efforts in 7 major hotpots of the outbreak. On the other hand, outpatient services that use rapid tests to diagnose dengue fever have been set up in 20 hospitals in Kaohsiung City, including Kaohsiung Medical University Chung-Ho Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung Municipal Hsiao-Kang Hospital and E-Da Hospital, to help patients seek appropriate medical treatment.

Since this summer, a cumulative total of 36,199 indigenous dengue cases, including 22,510 cases in Tainan City, 13,008 cases in Kaohsiung City, 239 cases in Pingtung City and imported and sporadic cases in other cities and counties, have been confirmed. On November 20, 2 new deaths that might be associated with dengue infection were reported. Thus far, a cumulative total of 158 deaths, including 112 deaths in Tainan City, 44 deaths in Kaohsiung City, and 2 deaths in Pingtung City, were found to be linked with dengue infection. 32 deaths, including 30 from Kaohsiung City and 2 from Tainan City, are still waiting to be reviewed. Currently, 53 dengue patients are being treated in the intensive care unit. 92.6 % of the total reported cases, which is 33,522 patients, have recovered.

CECC for Dengue Outbreak reminds that as the weather in southern Taiwan still favors the growth of mosquito the public to continue to reinforce emptying, cleaning and scrubbing of vector breeding sites in and around the residence to effectively prevent dengue transmission. 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 the further spread of the virus through mosquitoes. In addition, the public is urged to take precautions against mosquito bites when traveling. 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).