Kaohsiung Reports First Locally Transmitted Dengue Case of the Year
Health authorities in Kaohsiung have confirmed the first locally transmitted case of dengue fever for this year, prompting an immediate public health response across the city. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reported on Saturday that a man in his 60s from the Cianjhen District tested positive for the virus.
The patient sought medical attention on Friday after experiencing symptoms including a headache, fever, and muscle soreness. Clinical tests, including an NS1 Ag rapid test and a PCR test, confirmed an infection with dengue virus type 1. According to CDC Deputy Director-General and spokeswoman Tseng Shu-hui, the individual’s recent activities were restricted to his home and workplace, and he had no recent history of overseas travel during the incubation period.
Containment and Prevention Efforts
In response to the local case, the Kaohsiung Department of Health has initiated an inter-agency disease prevention mechanism. Teams are currently conducting rigorous inspections and chemical control measures within a 400-meter radius of the patient’s residence to eliminate potential mosquito breeding grounds. The department is emphasizing the “inspect, empty, clean and brush” protocol to help residents remove stagnant water, which serves as a primary environment for mosquito larvae.
The city also confirmed two additional imported dengue cases on Saturday involving university students living in the Cianjhen and Sanming districts. These individuals were infected with dengue virus type 3 after returning from a trip to Malaysia.
Risk Assessment and Public Guidance
Data from the latest vector mosquito density monitoring indicates a persistent risk of transmission. Currently, 10.9 percent of egg containers are testing positive for larvae, and the ovitrap positive rate has reached 7 percent. Officials noted that the current hot and humid weather conditions are highly favorable for the breeding of vector mosquitoes.
This year, a total of 64 dengue cases have been confirmed, consisting of one local case and 63 imported cases. The majority of imported infections originated in Southeast Asia and South Asia, with 19 cases from Indonesia, 14 from the Maldives, and eight from Vietnam.
Public Health Recommendations
To mitigate further spread, authorities are urging the public to:
- Wear light-colored long sleeves when outdoors.
- Use government-authorized insect repellents.
- Practice consistent removal of stagnant water in their living environments.
- Seek medical attention immediately if symptoms arise, ensuring they disclose their “TOCC”—travel history, occupation, contact history, and clusters—to their physician.
Moving forward, the effectiveness of the current containment measures and community cooperation in removing breeding sites may determine whether additional local cases emerge. If mosquito density remains high due to favorable weather, public health officials may likely continue or expand intensive inspection efforts in affected districts to prevent a larger outbreak.
