Taiwan: Dengue fever outbreak in Taipei

Event

A dengue fever outbreak has been reported in the Taipei-Keelung metropolitan area. At least 11 cases were reported in the area between July 1 and August 8; nine of the cases were reported in New Taipei, and two were reported in Taipei. The further spread of the outbreak is possible in the near-term.

Context

Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne disease found mostly in urban and semi-urban areas. Symptoms include fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, fatigue, nausea, and rash. Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) is a potentially deadly complication that is characterized by high fever, enlargement of the liver, and hemorrhaging.

Advice

Individuals present in Taipei are advised to take measures to protect themselves from mosquito bites (e.g. by wearing covering clothing, using insect repellent, and sleeping in a screened-in or air-conditioned room) and to eliminate possible mosquito breeding grounds on their properties (e.g. small pockets of fresh water, such as rainwater that has collected in cans, bottles, tires, flower pots, clogged gutters, etc.).