Councilor Calls for Attention to Hantavirus Risk Among Homeless; Mayor Hou Yu-ih Pledges Cleanup

(CNA, New Taipei, May 18, Reporter Wang Hung-kuo) New Taipei Mayor Hou Yu-ih stated today that New Taipei has identified 3,964 rat extermination hotspots and has strengthened cleaning, disinfection, and environmental management. Regarding the concern raised by a New Taipei City councilor about the risk of Hantavirus infection among the homeless, Hou Yu-ih said that the city will enhance the cleaning of places where homeless people gather and their belongings. Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) New Taipei City Councilor Chiu Ting-wei, during a morning session at the New Taipei City Council, questioned the claims by some Kuomintang (KMT) members that an online rat sighting map is a form of "cognitive warfare." In response, Hou Yu-ih stated that once a Hantavirus case is reported in New Taipei, a cross-platform major cleanup of rat-infested environments is initiated, and comprehensive disinfection has been completed. He added that all cities and counties need to control and prevent rat infestations. To date, there are two confirmed cases of Hantavirus syndrome nationwide, one each in Taipei City and New Taipei. Hou said that there are a total of 3,964 hotspots such as markets and pipes where filth accumulates. The New Taipei City Government will patrol and clean the environment, which is a fundamental task. Fire lanes not connected to the sewer system are also a focus for cleanup. Even hotspots not on the list require more attention to cleaning and disinfection. He especially urged households not to pile up clutter to reduce rat breeding opportunities and to implement the central government's directive: "keep rats out, don't let them stay, don't let them eat." DPP New Taipei City Councilor Chen Yung-fu said that cats are now too well-fed and no longer catch mice. Hou responded that most untrained cats do not catch mice and serve more of a companionship function. DPP New Taipei City Councilor Lee Chien-ping stated that special attention should be paid to the homeless. Hantavirus is transmitted through the urine, feces, and saliva of rats. The homeless often frequent hotspots like garbage dumps where rats are present, making them susceptible to infection, which is also a public health and urban governance crisis. Hou stated that there are currently about 414 registered homeless individuals. The city government continues to disinfect the environment and will regularly clean the places where homeless people gather and their belongings. The New Taipei City Government's Social Welfare Department will continue to care for the homeless. Additionally, President Lai Ching-te said yesterday that he would defend the status quo of the Republic of China and that there is no "Taiwan independence" issue. Hou Yu-ih told the media earlier, "We are all Taiwanese, our country is called the Republic of China, and Taiwan is where we live." He added that if President Lai says there is no Taiwan independence issue, then the DPP's pro-independence platform should be removed. (Editor: Li Ming-tsung) 1150518