Original Article
The Chikungunya Epidemic Synopsis And Strategies of Prevention And Control, Taiwan, 2019
DOI: 10.6525/TEB.202109_37(18).0001Yi-Ya Wang1*, Ya-Tzu Chang1, Yu-Min Chou1, Chin-Hui Yang1, Yu-Hsuan Lin2, Li-Li Ho2
2021 Vol.37 NO.18
Correspondence Author： Yi-Ya Wang1*
- 1Division of Acute Infectious Disease, Centers for Disease Control, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taiwan
- 2Division of Quarantine, Centers for Disease Control, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taiwan
Abstract：
In 2019, the number of imported cases of chikungunya has been the highest during the same period in the past years, since it was listed as a notifiable infectious disease in Taiwan in October 2007, leading to the increase of the domestic epidemic risk. In July 2019, the first indigenous chikungunya case was reported in Taiwan. Then the first local outbreak occurred in Zhonghe District, New Taipei City. Chikungunya and dengue fever, both transmitted by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, are community-level, environmental diseases. Therefore, strategies of prevention and control of both diseases are similar, and cannot be achieved by a single organization. The prevention and control require participation of the public and local governments, and the mobilization of the community to clear mosquito breeding sites thoroughly. As the time of chikungunya virus multiplying in the mosquitos is shorter than that of dengue virus, the interventions should be immediate and active.
In response to the epidemic of chikungunya in 2019, Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (TCDC) strengthened border quarantine measures, reminded travelers to affected areas of taking precautions against mosquito bites and enhanced understanding of prevention, awareness of seeking medical attention and disease notification for chikungunya. Such measures not only facilitated prompt diagnosis and case reporting but also made timely intervention of prevention and control measures by public health authorities. TCDC continues to support local governments to implement prevention and control programs, strengthen the domestic and border surveillance of chikungunya, and adjust the measures of prevention and control strategies to respond to the emerging epidemic in the future.
