A central epidemic command center was set up by the Cabinet Sept. 14 in Taipei City as part of government efforts to control a predominantly southern Taiwan-based dengue fever outbreak.
Headed by Vice Premier Chang San-cheng, the center is tasked with coordinating disease prevention measures implemented by the Environmental Protection Administration and Ministries of Health and Welfare and National Defense.
Cabinet Spokesman Sun Lih-chyun said the latest move follows the MOHW medical support team established at the beginning of the month to assist in early diagnosis and treatment of the disease.
“The government is working to keep dengue fever in check, with the MOHW Centers for Disease Control and EPA advising the public of the latest developments through regular updates on their websites.
“In addition, the MND has had members of the armed forces disinfecting 5.35 million square meters of land in disease-prone regions.”
According to Sun, the Cabinet allocated NT$42 million (US$1.28 million) in funds for Tainan City Government earlier this month, and directed Kaohsiung City Government to keep a close eye on the situation. “We urge the public to play its part by implementing appropriate environmental control measures and maintaining heightened awareness of possible symptoms,” he said.
CDC statistics confirm 9,862 locally contracted cases since May, with 98.7 percent of these reported in the southern cities of Tainan and Kaohsiung and Pingtung County. The number is expected to peak at between 30,000 and 37,000 by the end of October.
The disease is suspected to have contributed to 18 deaths in Taiwan, with 34 patients receiving treatment in intensive care units, the CDC said, adding that it will review 34 other deaths to determine whether they were caused by the fever. (SFC-JSM)
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