The Central Epidemic Command Center has released updated figures on the ongoing dengue fever epidemic in southern Taiwan.
According to the latest figures, the death toll from the epidemic has reached 141. Dengue fever is also the suspected cause of an additional 29 deaths pending the release of test results.
The epidemic remains largely confined to the southern cities of Kaohsiung and Tainan. Of the more than 30,000 cases of dengue fever reported since the beginning of summer, more than 20,000 originated in Tainan. Over 9000 of the cases reported so far come from Kaohsiung.
The latest statistics show that the spread of dengue fever has slowed down in Tainan, while the epidemic shows no signs of waning in Kaohsiung. The epidemic command center is asking residents of southern Taiwan to dump out and clean any containers holding stagnant water.