On August 25, the CDC announced Kaohsiung City's first localized dengue fever case of the year, involving a cluster of four individuals (including two people living together and one neighbor), all residing in Kaohsiung's Gushan District. As of August 27, Kaohsiung City has now reported a total of eight localized dengue fever cases.
Dengue fever is spreading rapidly in Southeast Asia, South Asia, and the Americas. According to data from the CDC, Taiwan has reported a total of 150 imported cases, spread across 16 counties and cities nationwide, the second-highest number for the same period in the past six years. Therefore, all counties and cities are at risk of an epidemic. With the start of the school year approaching, many faculty, staff, and students will be returning to campus or Taiwan. Please exercise extreme caution!
Teachers, colleagues and students are reminded that if you experience symptoms suggestive of dengue fever, such as fever, headache, back-of-eye pain, muscle and joint pain, or rash, you should seek medical attention immediately and disclose your travel history to facilitate prompt diagnosis and treatment. Regularly remove breeding sources and promptly inspect indoor and outdoor areas, including low-lying areas prone to water accumulation, such as windowsills, balconies, rooftops, and basements. Remove any accumulated water promptly to prevent mosquito larvae from breeding and prevent further outbreaks of dengue fever!
The best way to prevent dengue fever is to prevent mosquitoes from breeding and biting you.
1. Bite Prevention
1. The dengue virus is transmitted by daytime mosquitoes. When going outdoors, please wear light-colored, long-sleeved shirts and long pants, and apply mosquito repellent to exposed skin and clothing.
2. If your dormitory room is not air-conditioned, install mosquito nets or screens, or place mosquito repellents near doors, windows, and other entrances.
3. Avoid activities or travel to areas where the disease is prevalent. II. Preventing Breeding
The best way is to prevent stagnant water and eliminate breeding sources.
1. Keep containers (including vases, potting pans, buckets, beverage cans), windowsills, etc. clean of stagnant water to prevent mosquitoes from breeding.
2. Dispose of used or unused beverage cans in the trash. Never discard them randomly (stagnant water breeds mosquitoes), especially in bushes.
3. If you have aquatic plants, place mosquito fish in the container containing them.
III. Response to Suspected Infection
1. If you have symptoms of a fever, please seek medical attention to confirm the cause. Do not come to school until confirmed.
2. If a doctor confirms dengue fever, please self-isolate at home for 5 days from the onset of the fever and use a mosquito net to avoid mosquito bites and prevent the spread of the infection. 3. If you experience any unexplained fever, flu-like symptoms, diarrhea, vomiting, or other gastrointestinal symptoms after traveling abroad, you should notify quarantine personnel upon entry and seek medical attention as soon as possible. Inform your doctor of your travel and contact history to facilitate diagnosis and treatment.
4. If you are diagnosed with dengue fever by phone at the health center, please first notify the school's health team at 06-2533131 ext. 2231-2230 to facilitate disinfection of the area and requesting leave.
The Environmental Safety and Health Office cares about your health.