Local dengue fever numbers continue to rise, with a thousand new cases added in a single week. According to the CDC, over 4,000 local cases were distributed over 15 cities, with 18 severe and 4 deaths as of Sunday.
CDC spokeswoman Tseng Shu-Hui (曾淑慧) said on Monday that due to Typhoon Haikui, heavy rains may have created more potential mosquito breeding sites. She pointed out that this may lead to a rise of dengue fever and reminded people to clean up water around their homes.
The CDC anticipates that the number of cases will spike two weeks after the typhoon. Tseng pointed out that the central and local governments will work together to prevent and control dengue fever. If suspected cases are found, the central and local health units will initiate emergency prevention and control operations. If necessary, the central government will also assist in emergency spraying.
Tseng added that there is also a risk of leptospirosis, melioidosis, and tetanus due to contaminated water. She reminds the public to thoroughly boil water before drinking and take caution when cleaning.