The Tainan City Health Bureau announced today that it will launch a special inspection campaign next week targeting medical facilities. If mosquito larvae (wrigglers) are found on-site, a fine of NT$15,000 will be imposed under the Communicable Disease Control Act, aiming to prevent cluster infections of dengue fever.
The Tainan City Government Health Bureau stated that indigenous dengue fever cases have emerged in Kaohsiung City, with a cumulative total of seven confirmed cases, six of which were hospital-acquired cluster infections. The virus strain is identified as dengue virus serotype 2. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) under the Ministry of Health and Welfare has deployed a mobile epidemic prevention team to assist Kaohsiung in implementing control measures.
The Health Bureau emphasized that it has issued official notices to all medical institutions in Tainan, urging strict implementation of source elimination for dengue breeding sites. Facilities must prevent the virus from spreading within hospital premises. Institutions found with mosquito larvae will face heavy penalties.
Additionally, medical facilities are required to strengthen TOCC (Travel history, Occupation, Contact history, Cluster history) screening, make proper use of NS1 rapid tests and timely reporting, and conduct weekly environmental inspections across their premises using the 'Self-Inspection Checklist for Dengue Vector Breeding Sources.' Particular attention should be paid to areas prone to water accumulation, such as balconies, flowerpot saucers, water buckets, roof gutters, and drainage systems.
According to the Health Bureau, CDC data shows that as of yesterday, Taiwan has recorded a cumulative total of 75 confirmed dengue cases, including seven indigenous cases and 68 imported cases originating from Southeast and South Asian countries. Indonesia accounts for the highest number with 21 cases, followed by the Maldives with 14 cases and Vietnam with nine cases.
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- Source: CNA (Central News Agency)
- Category: Taiwan