[Life] Imported Dengue Fever Cases Exceed 100, Cluster Infection from Cambodian Exchange Group
RtiTalk 小編19d ago
Dengue fever continues to spread internationally, with neighboring Southeast Asian countries experiencing rising cases. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) announced today (4th) that Taiwan has added 8 new imported dengue fever cases, including a cluster infection from a Cambodian exchange group. The cumulative number of imported cases this year has now exceeded 100. CDC spokesperson Lin Ming-cheng stated that the El Niño phenomenon may strengthen in the coming months, favoring dengue transmission. Coupled with the peak summer travel season, he urged the public to implement mosquito prevention measures while traveling abroad.
The CDC reported 8 new imported dengue fever cases domestically last week, 3 of which were from a cluster infection during an exchange trip to Cambodia. The individuals in this cluster, aged between their teens and thirties (2 males, 1 female), participated in an exchange activity in Cambodia in mid-July. Upon returning to Taiwan in late July, they sequentially developed symptoms such as fever, headache, nausea, muscle pain, and retro-orbital pain, seeking medical attention and subsequently being diagnosed. They were only reported after seeking secondary medical care. Relevant health authorities have initiated source reduction and chemical control measures in the cases' residences and activity areas, and are monitoring the health of other group members. This case is expected to be monitored until August 6th.
According to CDC statistics, as of August 3rd this year, there have been a cumulative total of 111 dengue fever cases, including 7 local cases, all residing in Kaohsiung City. The remaining 104 cases are imported, originating from Southeast and South Asian countries. Indonesia accounts for the highest number with 24 cases, followed by Vietnam with 23, and Maldives with 15, among a total of 9 countries. The cumulative case count this year is lower than the 130 cases recorded during the same period in 2025.
The CDC pointed out that global dengue fever outbreaks continue. As of June this year, over 1.58 million cases have been reported worldwide, primarily in the Americas, including Brazil, Colombia, and Bolivia. Neighboring Asian countries such as Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Malaysia, Cambodia, Laos, and Bangladesh have recently seen rising outbreaks, with many exceeding last year's figures. Sri Lanka's epidemic is particularly severe, with over 84,000 reported cases so far this year. Cambodia's outbreak is also rapidly increasing, with over 28,000 reported cases year-to-date.
CDC spokesperson Lin Ming-cheng reminded the public that whether traveling domestically or abroad during the summer vacation, it is recommended to wear light-colored, long-sleeved clothing and use government-approved mosquito repellents containing effective ingredients such as DEET, Picaridin, or IR-3535 to reduce the risk of mosquito bites when engaging in outdoor activities.
Furthermore, Lin Ming-cheng noted that dengue fever outbreaks in neighboring Southeast and South Asian countries persist. The Ministry of Transportation has requested travel agencies to enhance reminders for group members to implement mosquito prevention measures during their trips abroad and to undergo health monitoring upon return. Health education is also being disseminated through various channels at airports, urging travelers to proactively inform airport quarantine personnel if they experience suspected dengue symptoms such as fever, headache, retro-orbital pain, or muscle and joint pain upon returning to Taiwan.
Lin Ming-cheng emphasized that recent domestic temperatures have been hot, with occasional afternoon showers in various regions, creating conditions favorable for vector mosquito breeding. He urged the public to practice "inspect, empty, clean, and scrub" by promptly clearing any containers that could accumulate water in their environment, thereby fundamentally disrupting vector mosquito reproduction.
Source Link: https://www.rti.org.tw/news?uid=3&pid=224250
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