Most of the indigenous dengue fever cases in Taiwan this year has been reported in residents of Kaohsiung City, according to the Centers for Disease Control. However, most patients had not sought immediate medical attention and most hospitals and clinics had not been able to report the cases promptly. Taiwan CDC urges the public and physicians to stay alert for dengue fever.

Taiwan map/CIA
Taiwan map/CIA

According to statistics compiled by Taiwan CDC, during April 14 and 20, 2 new indigenous dengue cases and 3 new imported dengue cases were confirmed in Taiwan. Both of the new indigenous cases reside in Kaohsiung City.

As of April 20, a cumulative total of 100 indigenous dengue cases have been confirmed in Taiwan and most of them reside in Kaohsiung City. Most of the recently diagnosed cases are sporadic cases.

Taiwan CDC stresses that as some areas have experienced occasional rainfall recently, the public is urged to reinforce the removing of vector-breeding sites in and around their residences to prevent the growth of vector mosquitoes. If symptoms such as fever, headache, retroorbital pain, myalgia, arthragia, and rash develop after returning to Taiwan from an area at high risk for dengue fever, 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.

In addition, since some patients experience very mild symptoms, to effectively prevent the introduction of dengue virus into the community, physicians are advised to be vigilant for suspected cases, inquire about such patients’ travel history, and notify any suspected cases to the health authority immediately to facilitate implementation of subsequent measures that prevent further transmission of the disease.