Waterlogged basement and construction site puddles in the periphery of the case’s residence were found to be massive breeding grounds of vector mosquitoes. The high-risk environment called for immediate emergency mobilization of disease control efforts. Notification to medical care institutions was also strengthened.
The first indigenous dengue family and community cluster this year (2025) was found in Gushan District today (August 25). Totally 4 cases were identified, with 3 of them being family cluster. The index case was a male over 50 years of age, showing symptoms such as headache, nausea, loss of appetite, etc. on August 23. He consulted the doctor at the emergency room the next day and was found to be NS1 positive after specimen examination. Laboratory tests confirmed the case as PCR positive for DENV-II. Epidemic control personnel extended the epidemiological investigation and specimen sampling to 64 people, and found that his wife (aged 50+, no symptom), his cohabiting nephew aged 20+ (onset on August 22), and a neighbor (female, aged 50+, no symptom) all showed positive results in specimen examinations. Thus, the first incidence of indigenous dengue family and community cluster infections this year was confirmed. Three of the four cases, except the index case, were identified through spontaneous action of extended epidemiological investigation. The four confirmed cases are now hospitalized and under treatment in isolation.
Upon receiving the report of the confirmed case, the city government’s epidemic control taskforce had taken immediate action to carry out extended epidemiological investigation and specimen sampling in the outbreak area, as well as other preventive measures such as blanket clearance of breeding grounds, emergency spraying of pesticides, and environmental clean-up. In particular, vector mosquito density survey was implemented in the community with cluster infections, and a large amount of containers and clutter of sundries were found piling up around residences in the area. A total of 61 water-holding containers were found, and 29 of them had bred massive vector larvae and adult mosquitoes. Epidemic prevention personnel issued penalty tickets on the spot and cleared waterlogging in the identified positive containers such as canvases, buckets, tires, vases, outdoor sundries, construction site manholes, and the ground.
With the emergence of indigenous dengue fever this year, the epidemic control taskforce convened a forward command meeting today. The city government’s epidemic control taskforce was required to reinforce preventive measures for high-risk places within the alert zone, including schools, parks and green space, construction sites, markets, vacant land, unoccupied houses, waterlogged basement, etc.
DOH reminded that the dengue epidemic period has arrived, and citizens were advised to heighten alert and take action to remove indoor and outdoor waterlogging around their residences. If residences were found to be breeding vector mosquitoes either indoors or outdoors, a maximum penalty of NT$15,000 would be imposed in accordance with the Communicable Disease Control Act. In case of suspected dengue fever symptoms, citizens are advised to consult a doctor at one of the 558 contracted integrated dengue medical care institutions in Kaohsiung City (https://gov.tw/1g1 ) as soon as possible, and inform the doctor of your activity history and travel history. Medical care institutions are also required to stay alert, make good use of the NS1 rapid test kits to assist diagnosis, and report suspected cases as early as possible.