According to statistics compiled by the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (Taiwan CDC), during June 9 and 15, 2015, a total of 20 new dengue cases, including 16 indigenous dengue cases and 4 imported dengue cases from Malaysia and Thailand, were confirmed in Taiwan. As dengue activity has peaked, 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 the infection of dengue fever.

Among the 16 indigenous cases confirmed last week, 14 cases were confirmed in Kaohsiung City, including 7 in Zuoying District, 6 in Nanzih District and 1 in Sanmin District, and 2 cases were confirmed in North District, Tainan City. The number of dengue cases reported has continued to increase. A cumulative total of 22 dengue cases associated with the cluster around the farmers market in Nanzih District, Kaohsiung City have been confirmed and more cases are expected to occur. In addition, a new cluster of dengue cases has been confirmed at Kaohsiung Veterans Home. According to the surveillance data collected by Taiwan CDC, the ongoing outbreaks in Tainan City and Kaohsiung City are showing signs of expansion. In addition, the number of confirmed indigenous cases has also been on the rise, signaling the outbreaks are increasing.

On the other hand, relevant central government agencies continue to reinforce the management and patrolling of houses and buildings managed by governments, vacant lands and vacant buildings to eliminate any possible vector breeding sites.

As thoroughly eliminating vector breeding sources is the most effective way to prevent dengue fever, the public is urged to reinforce the removing of vector-breeding sites in and around their residences to ward off infection and ensure their own health and the health of others. People are advised to wear light-colored, long-sleeved shirts and long pants, and apply officially approved mosquito repellent to exposed body parts to prevent mosquito bites and lower the risk of contracting dengue fever. If symptoms such as fever, headache, retroorbital pain, myalgia, arthralgia, and rash develop, 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. Physicians are advised to be vigilant for suspected cases and notify any suspected cases to the health authority immediately to facilitate implementation of subsequent measures that prevent further transmission of the disease. For any questions or further information, please visit the Taiwan CDC’s website at http://www.cdc.gov.tw or call the toll-free Communicable Disease Reporting and Care Hotline, 1922 (or 0800-001922).