Taiwan health officials say heavy rains and flooding as a result of Typhoon Dujuan will likely cause an increase in dengue activity in the country that has already seen a record dengue season in 2015.

Taiwan map/CIA
Taiwan map/CIA

Commander Chang San-cheng of the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) for Dengue Outbreak specifically instructed relevant government agencies and local governments to reinforce the removal of vector breeding sites after the typhoon and requested the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to reinforce the management and patrolling of vacant lands and buildings managed by the central government to eliminate any possible vector breeding sites and prevent further spread of dengue fever.

The total dengue tally in Taiwan crossed the 18,000 case mark Tuesday with the cumulative number now at 18,365. Tainan City has reported 15,793 cases, while Kaohsiung City has reported 2,266, accounting for the vast majority of cases nationally.

CECC for Dengue Outbreak once again reminds the public that one week after the typhoon is crucial to augment ongoing dengue prevention and control efforts.

In addition, as some households experienced power outages or cuts to their water supply, residents are urged to observe proper water, food and environmental hygiene to prevent enteric diseases. After power and water supplies resume, reservoirs should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected before it is used for storing water again. Water should be boiled prior to consumption. Food that has been soaked in the flood water or left unfrozen for too long must not be consumed.