Baishatun Mazu Pilgrimage to Arrive in Beigang, Town Initiates Dengue Fever Prevention Cleanup

Yunlin County, April 14 (CNA) The National Health Research Institutes' ovitraps in Beigang Township, Yunlin, detected traces of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes in December last year, indicating a potential vector risk in Beigang Township. Due to the Baishatun Mazu Pilgrimage arriving on April 16, the Beigang Township Office has immediately launched a town-wide cleanup and disinfection, urging the public to implement the 'inspect, dump, clean, scrub' principles.

The Beigang Township Office's cleaning team has completed mosquito control spraying in public areas such as schools and parks within the township, and simultaneously strengthened environmental patrols and source reduction efforts in various villages. Today, cleanup and disinfection were carried out around Beigang Chaotian Temple, clearing stagnant water in containers and reusing discarded tires after drilling holes.

Beigang Township Mayor Hsiao Mei-wen stated that the Baishatun Mazu Pilgrimage from Baishatun Gongtian Temple will arrive on April 16, with over 450,000 pilgrims expected. As the weather gradually warms up and recent patterns of rain followed by high temperatures easily create stagnant water environments, increasing the risk of mosquito breeding, dengue fever is in its peak season, and prevention efforts cannot be overlooked.

Hsiao Mei-wen pointed out that the National Health Research Institutes' ovitraps in Beigang detected traces of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes in December 2025, indicating a potential vector risk in Beigang Township. However, the Beigang Township Office has recently strengthened environmental cleanup and epidemic prevention publicity, continuously promoting source reduction and patrol mechanisms, and the overall situation has significantly improved.

At the same time, the Yunlin County Environmental Protection Bureau has increased the frequency of sewer cleaning before the pilgrimage to strengthen drainage cleaning operations and reduce the risk of stagnant water, providing a safer and more comfortable resting environment for pilgrims from all over Taiwan.

The Beigang Township Office calls on the public to jointly implement the four principles of 'inspect, dump, clean, scrub,' managing the environment in daily life and working together to protect community health. (Editor: Chen Jen-hua) 1150414