The number of dengue fever cases in Taiwan has surpassed 7,000 as of Wednesday. That’s the highest number of cases in Taiwan since records began.
Premier Mao Chi-kuo said Thursday that local governments should step up preventative measures, especially in Tainan and Kaohsiung where the outbreak is most serious. Cabinet spokesman Sun Lih-chyun explained the Cabinet’s expectations for local governments.
"We’re asking every ministry to make an inventory of their offices, make regular inspections and clean the environment to remove any breeding grounds for mosquitoes," Sun said. "Each office should also check and clean water containers every time after it rains. We’re also asking all local governments, primarily those of Tainan City and Kaohsiung City, to supervise prevention efforts. Other counties and cities should begin taking preventative measures including taking inventory, follow ups, assessments, and clean ups."
Mao said that this year’s global outbreak of dengue fever is more serious than those of previous years. He said outbreaks generally only improve around November or with the arrival of cooler weather.
An additional 507 cases of dengue fever were reported in Tainan as of Wednesday, bringing the total number of cases in the city to 6,576. Tainan accounts for 88% of current cases in Taiwan. Kaohsiung also saw an increase of 53 cases, bringing the total to 755.