On November 7, 2014, the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (Taiwan CDC) announced one new death associated dengue hemorrhagic fever. Although the dengue activity has slowed, outbreaks remain rampant. Hence, the public is once again urged to reinforce the removal of vector-breeding sites and ensure the cleanliness of the environment as well as recycle all unwanted containers and take personal precautions against mosquito bites in order to prevent further spread of dengue fever. If symptoms pertaining dengue fever develop, please seek immediate medical attention. On the other hand, physicians are advised to stay vigilant for suspected cases to ensure timely diagnosis and treatment.

The casualty was 81 years old who resided in Cianjhen District and had a medical history of high blood pressure and diabetes. On October 29, the case developed fever and shortness of breath. On November 3, the case sought medical attention at the emergency department of a hospital and was hospitalized in the intensive care unit for treatment and reported to the health authority as a case of dengue fever. However, the conditions of the case were not stable upon hospitalization and the case developed shock afterwards. As the case’s conditions continued to worsen, the case died on November 4. None of the case’s contact residing in the same household has developed suspected symptoms. Thus far this year, a cumulative total of 75 cases of dengue hemorrhagic fever have been confirmed this year. Of the cases, 55 have been discharged from the hospital, 9 died, and 11 are still hospitalized.

Based on past surveillance data and statistics, the peak of dengue season has passed and the dengue activity has gradually slowed. As of November 6, 2014, a cumulative total of 9,608 cases of dengue fever have been confirmed this year. Among the 9,954indigenous cases confirmed since this summer, 9,347 cases were confirmed in Kaohsiung City, 125 cases were confirmed in Pingtung County, 56 cases were confirmed in Tainan City, 12 cases were confirmed in New Taipei City, 11 cases were confirmed in Penghu County, 8 cases were confirmed in Taipei City, 7 cases were confirmed in Taichung City, 5 cases were confirmed in Yunlin County, 4 cases were confirmed in Hsinchu City, 3 cases were respectively confirmed in Taitung County, Taoyuan County and Chiayi County, 2 cases were respectively confirmed in Miaoli County, Hsinchu County, and Changhua County, and 1 case was respectively confirmed in Yilan County and Nantou County. Infection of dengue fever is possible in all cities and counties in the nation.

Taiwan CDC stresses although the peak of the dengue season has passed, the risk of dengue hemorrhagic fever remains high. Once again, Taiwan CDC reminds the public to reinforce the removal of vector-breeding sites and ensure the cleanliness of the environment as well as take precautions against mosquito bites in order to minimize the risk of dengue infection and physicians to stay alert for prodromal signs of dengue hemorrhagic fever in patients such as abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, mucosal bleeding, and lethargy in order to facilitate prompt diagnosis and treatment and reduce the occurrence of complications and deaths. For more information on dengue fever, 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 0800-001922.