On July 7, 2008, Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (Taiwan CDC), Department of Health, confirmed the first case of locally-acquired dengue fever in Kaohsiung City.Hence, Taiwan CDC would like to remind residents once again to empty indoor and outdoor water containers, and cooperate in implementation of preventive measures, including cleaning vector-breeding sites, insecticide spraying, and expanded blood sampling.With government and public participation, the spread of the disease can be stopped and further outbreaks can be prevented.
This year, as of July 7, 2008, 84 cases of dengue fever have been confirmed.Among those cases, 24 are locally-acquired (82 were locally-acquired during the same period last year). This year’s first 23 cases experienced onset in either March or earlier in the year.The other 60 cases are imported cases, which is one more than that reported during the same period last year (59 cases were imported last year).Among the 60 cases, 22 are imported from Indonesia, 13 are from Vietnam, 7 are from Thailand (7 cases), and 6 are from the Philippines.From 2003 to 2007, the numbers of confirmed dengue cases reported during each of those years were 145 cases, 427 cases, 306 cases, 1074 cases, and 2179 cases respectively, among which the numbers of locally acquired cases were 86 cases, 336 cases, 202 cases, 965 cases, and 2000 cases respectively.
Recently, afternoon thunderstorms have occurred frequently in Taiwan.As a result, if water containers and any water accumulation in other places were not cleared soon after the occurrence of a thunderstorm, mosquito larvae may grow into adult mosquitoes one week after the thunderstorm.In addition, dengue season has begun.Therefore, all vector breeding sites must be cleared to help prevent dengue transmission.Should one experience symptoms such as fever, headache, nausea, fatigue, pain behind the eyes, and muscular or joint pain, one must seek medical attention as soon as possible.If applicable, one should also provide detailed travel history so that the physician may be able to diagnose one’s symptoms accurately and administer proper treatment.
By law, dengue fever is a Category 2 notifiable infectious disease, and all information related to dengue cases and outbreaks should be announced by local authorities.Taiwan CDC appeals to public for cooperation in implementation of preventive efforts conducted by the local authorities.According to the Communicable Disease Control Act, failure to clean vector breeding sites after being informed by authorities can result in a fine of at least NT$3,000, and up to NT$15,000.Avoidance, refusal or interference with preventive measures implemented by the authorities can result in a fine of at least NT$60,000, and up to NT$300,000.If one suspects oneself of infection, one should voluntarily report to health authorities, and if tested positive for dengue virus, according to the Act, one can receive an award of NT$2,500.
For more information about dengue fever, please call the consultation hotline, 1922, operated by Taiwan CDC, or visit Taiwan CDC website at http://www.cdc.gov.tw.