Dengue Cases in Taiwan Cross 17,000, Outbreak Unlikely to Ease Until January 2016

Taiwan is facing its deadliest outbreak of dengue fever. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has revealed that the number of dengue fever cases in Taiwan has increased to 17,112, with 98.39% occurring in Tainan and Kaohsiung cities. The CDC said, "As of Saturday, September 26, 2015, 14,811 cases had been reported in Tainan, accounting for 86.55% of the total, an increase of 366 cases from the previous day. Kaohsiung has had 2,025 cases, or 11.83% of the total."

42 people have died of the disease since the outbreak in May, 2015, with the cause of death in an additional 42 cases as yet undetermined.

CDC Deputy Director-General Chuang Jen-hsiang said, "The disparity in the occurrence of cases is being attributed to different species of mosquitoes in southern and northern Taiwan. In addition, the medical profession and members of the public are familiar with dengue fever symptoms which means a full blown national outbreak is unlikely."

Chuang further added, "The spike in dengue fever cases is unlikely to ease until January, 2016, by which time the total number of cases could reach 30,000-37,000."

Source-IANS