The Taiwan Centers for Disease Control reports today that during June 9 and 15, 2015, a total of 20 new dengue cases, including 16 indigenous dengue cases and 4 imported dengue cases from Malaysia and Thailand, were confirmed in Taiwan, prompting health officials to urge the public to remove vector-breeding sites and ensure the cleanliness of the environment as well as recycle all unwanted containers and take personal precautions against mosquito bites in order to prevent the infection of dengue fever.
Among the 16 indigenous cases confirmed last week, 14 cases were confirmed in Kaohsiung City, including 7 in Zuoying District, 6 in Nanzih District and 1 in Sanmin District, and 2 cases were confirmed in North District, Tainan City. The number of dengue cases reported has continued to increase. A cumulative total of 22 dengue cases associated with the cluster around the farmers market in Nanzih District, Kaohsiung City have been confirmed and more cases are expected to occur.
In addition, a new cluster of dengue cases has been confirmed at Kaohsiung Veterans Home. According to the surveillance data collected by Taiwan CDC, the ongoing outbreaks in Tainan City and Kaohsiung City are showing signs of expansion. In addition, the number of confirmed indigenous cases has also been on the rise, signaling the outbreaks are increasing.
In addition to removing vector breeding sites, the CDC advises people to wear light-colored, long-sleeved shirts and long pants, and apply officially approved mosquito repellent to exposed body parts to prevent mosquito bites and lower the risk of contracting dengue fever.
