First Dengue Cluster in Eastern Taiwan

DOI: 10.6525/TEB.20160412.32(7).002

Ming-Ching Liu, Wen-Wen Huang, Kuo-Hao Huang,Mei-Chu Lee, Jen-Hsin Wang

2016 Vol.32 NO.7

Correspondence Author: Ming-Ching Liu

  • Eastern Regional Center, Centers for Disease Control, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taiwan

Abstract:

From October 2014 to January 2015, Kinglun Village of Taimali Township in Taitung confirmed 13 cases of dengue fever, which was the first cluster occurred in Eastern Taiwan when the disease was notifiable since 1998. Epidemiological investigation showed that the majority of cases were reported by local clinics after viremic stage, which missed the crucial period to prevent virus transmission. Daily activities and locations of first-wave patients during their incubation and viremic period were not investigated, which led to lost timing for intervention. Besides, residents showed carelessness for vector breeding sources elimination and local clinics were not alert to suspected dengue patients, which accelerated the transmission in the small community. In summary, when the risk of transmission increases, measurements to control dengue fever should be implemented, which include strengthening case reporting from clinics, thorough vector breeding sources elimination, and risk communication with local residents.

Keywords:Dengue fever, Cluster, Small community