The central government has set up a center to manage an epidemic of dengue fever which has continued to spread around Taiwan.
Since the center began operations on Tuesday, 552 new cases of dengue fever have been reported. The total number of cases registered since the epidemic began now sits at 10,384.
Though the epidemic has spread to other areas, 99% of cases have appeared in southern Taiwan. Tainan City alone has reported more than 9,000 cases since the beginning of the summer.
On Wednesday, the government announced a new plan to help combat the epidemic in southern Taiwan. Under the plan, patients with mild cases will recover at home, while patients with moderate to severe cases will be sent to designated hospitals. Meanwhile, quick screening tests will be available beginning Thursday.