Department of Information Technology

The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) reported that a confirmed indigenous dengue fever case has appeared in Datong District. While there have been over 1,000 cases across Taiwan, this is the first indigenous dengue fever patient in Taipei City this year.

According to Taipei’s vector control plans, when there is an occurrence of indigenous cases, the DEP will collaborate with the Department of Health (DOH) to notify households and workplaces within 100-meter radius of the reported location to collaborate with immediate disinfection efforts. The area will be monitored to examine the effectiveness of measures. The respective district offices will continue to carry out cleanup activity targeting possible mosquito breeding sources at least once per week over a period of four weeks. Residents in the neighborhood and community groups will be mobilized to tidy up the environment.

Regarding the confirmed case, the two agencies pointed out that the initial disinfection round was conducted on August 7. Staff also completed inspection and cleanup of containers and gutters to remove possible breeding sources of mosquitoes. The agencies also conducted a second wave of disinfection and environmental cleaning operation on August 9, mobilizing 6 vehicles and 26 staff members.

DEP calls upon the public to work together and prevent the spread of dengue fever. The best way to do so is to ensure that the environment is tidy and clean. Individuals should wear light-color clothing, and those wearing shirts with short sleeves should consider adding detachable sleeves or a thin jacket with long sleeves. When necessary, use insect repellent to keep pests at a distance. Residents should also conduct routine inspections of their home to make sure there are no containers (pots, tires, buckets, etc.) holding stale water which might serve as breeding ground for mosquitoes. If individuals experience sudden headache, fever, pain in the back of the eye, muscle/joint aches, or rashes, please visit the doctor immediately.

During this period, DEP will strengthen patrols and calls upon residents to collaborate with environment-cleaning and disinfection operations. Locations cited for housing mosquito breeding sources will be fined between NT$1,200 to NT$6,000 in accordance with Article 27 of the Waste Disposal Act.