Taiwan reports 69 imported dengue fever cases, 2nd-highest in six years

Taipei, June 3 (CNA) A total of 69 imported cases of dengue fever have been reported in Taiwan as of June 2 this year, the second-highest figure in six years, although there have been no local dengue fever cases so far this year, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) said Tuesday.

There were 69 confirmed dengue fever cases in Taiwan as of June 2 this year. All were imported cases and 91.3 percent originated in Southeast Asia, including 33 from Indonesia, 10 from the Philippines and eight Vietnam, Kuo Hung-wei (郭宏偉), head of the CDC Epidemic Intelligence Center, said during a regular media briefing.

CDC Deputy Director-General and spokesperson Lo Yi-chun (羅一鈞) said that although no local dengue fever cases have been reported so far this year, the first local cases in both 2023 and 2024 were reported during the first week of June.

In addition, with the number of imported cases rising, there is a potential risk of local outbreaks and community transmission, he warned, advising the public to remain vigilant.

Lo noted that Taiwan is currently in the plum rain season, with rainfall occurring around the country. Increased standing water from post-rainfall containers coupled with rising temperatures creates favorable conditions for the breeding of dengue fever-carrying mosquitoes, thereby increasing the risk of community transmission.

As such, he urged the public to proactively eliminate standing water around their homes to reduce mosquito breeding and lower the risk of dengue infection.

In 2024, there was a global surge in dengue fever, with more than 14 million cases reported, a significant increase from previous years. Dengue fever transmission around the world remains high this year, with over 2.53 million cases recorded, according to the CDC.

As dengue fever outbreaks continue in neighboring Southeast Asian countries, travelers returning to Taiwan who experience symptoms such as fever, headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain, or skin rash -- potential signs of dengue fever infection -- should proactively inform airport quarantine officers, the CDC added.