Intensifying Dengue Fever Outbreak: Taiwan’s Response

Intensifying Dengue Fever Outbreak: Taiwan’s Response

Escalating Dengue Fever Epidemic in Tainan, Taiwan

The city of Tainan in Taiwan is currently grappling with a severe outbreak of dengue fever. As of the 18th, the reported cases have reached a staggering 7,608. As a response to this escalating health crisis, the authorities have mobilized a forward response team led by Luo Yijun, the Deputy Director of the Disease Control Agency. This team is working in tandem with the Tainan City Government to bolster disease prevention efforts.

Government’s Intensive Efforts to Tackle the Epidemic

Amid the rising dengue fever cases, Wang Bisheng, the Deputy Minister of Health and Welfare, visited the Disease Control Agency’s Southern District Control Center on the 19th. This visit aimed to boost the morale of the response team and express gratitude to the citizens of Tainan for their patience and cooperation during these trying times. Wang Bisheng underscored the importance of continued cooperation from the citizens to suppress the epidemic quickly. He acknowledged the inconvenience caused by frequent sanitation efforts and expressed his appreciation to the people of Tainan.

The central government is working closely with local governments to control the epidemic. This collaboration is evident in the stationing of central government personnel in local areas. The primary objective of this measure is to help manage the health crisis more effectively.

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Establishment of a Forward Response Team

In response to the Premier’s directive, Deputy Director Luo Yijun moved to Tainan and set up a forward response team on the 18th. This team, made up of over 20 members, is divided into four task groups focused on prevention, epidemic, planning, and logistics. They are expected to stay in Tainan for at least a month to help manage and control the spread of the dengue fever.

Adopting a ‘COVID-19 Model’ for Tiered Treatment

As the dengue fever epidemic continues to intensify, the city has initiated a ‘COVID-19 model’ for tiered treatment. This model seeks to manage the escalating cases effectively by using a stratified approach towards treatment, depending on the severity and the spread of the disease. Civil organizations have also joined the fight against the epidemic, donating mosquito lamps in their thousands to protect campuses in the southern city.

Encouraging Citizen Participation in Disease Control

Meanwhile, in a bid to curb the local dengue fever outbreak, the Environmental Protection Bureau in Taipei is offering rewards of up to NT$4500. This incentive is for citizens who report mosquito breeding sources. Such measures not only aid in controlling the spread of the disease but also encourage citizen participation in disease control and prevention efforts.

The battle against the dengue fever outbreak in Tainan is ongoing. However, with the combined efforts of the government, disease control agencies and the citizens, the hope is to control and eventually eliminate the spread of this disease.

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