Initial Investigation of Indigenous Dengue Fever Situation and Efficacy of Prevention Measures in Kaohsiung and Pingtung Areas in Taiwan, 2009

Huei-Jhen Lin1, Yan-Chang Duan1, Yu-Sin Chen1, Chi-Chuan Huang1, Ciou-Yue You1, Mei-Jhu Chen1, Chao-Cing Jhang2, Li-Ren Lin1

2011 Vol.27 NO.18

Correspondence Author： Huei-Jhen Lin

Abstract：

833 indigenous dengue fever cases were recorded from January 1, 2009, to January 2, 2010, in Kaohsiung and Pingtung areas. 630 cases, 127 cases and 76 cases were noted in Kaohsiung City, Kaohsiung County and Pingtung County, respectively. The epidemic peaked in the 46th week and the median age for all positive cases was 48 years. The average duration from the onset of clinical signs to reporting date was 4.4 days and the average frequency of visiting clinics was 2.3 times. Dengue fever pathogen was isolated from 373 cases and was mainly type 3 virus. This type of virus was mostly found in Kaohsiung City and Kaohsiung County. Dengue fever virus type 2 was mainly distributed in Pingtung areas. Up to 90% of household were intvestigated within 2 weeks since the first Dengue fever positive case was recorded in Gangming borough and Gangchien borough of Siaogang District in Kaohsiung City. The number of water-filled containers and dengue fever pathogen positive containers was over 150 and over 13, respectively, per 100 household. Dengue fever case number was significantly decreased 4 weeks after the first dengue fever case occurrence. Similar investigation was also conducted in Tsaoyai borough of Cianjhen District in Kaohsiung City, but only 9% of the households were intvestigated within 2 weeks since the first Dengue fever positive case was recorded. The number of water-filled containers and dengue fever pathogen positive containers was 7.7 and 0.5, respectively, per 100 household. The disease situation in this borough persisted for over 10 weeks and was extended to surrounding boroughs. The dengue fever situation in Kaohsiung and Pingtung areas in 2009 constituted the third most severe epidemic in the recent 10 years till 2009. Although dengue fever endemic events of different magnitudes were recorded in these areas every year, medical diagnosis and reporting have not significantly improved. Furthermore, different boroughs had different capacities in dengue fever prevention. Thus, further improvement of dengue fever prevention ability of local people, disease prevention personnel and medical staffs was recommended to decrease the impact of Dengue fever on the health of the residents.