The Centers for Disease Control (hereafter referred to as CDC) announced today (the 4th) that dengue fever and other mosquito‑borne diseases continue to circulate internationally, with rising dengue activity in neighboring Southeast Asian countries, increasing the risk of overseas infection. Meteorological forecasts indicate that the El Niño phenomenon may further intensify in the coming months. Because El Niño favors dengue transmission and it coincides with the summer vacation travel peak, the public is urged to implement mosquito‑preventive measures while abroad and, if any symptoms appear within 14 days after returning, to seek medical care promptly and inform the physician of their travel history to aid diagnosis.
The CDC explained that domestically, eight new imported dengue cases were reported last week (July 28–August 3), including three cases linked to a cluster of infections acquired in Cambodia. The cluster involved individuals aged from their teens to thirties, two males and one female, who traveled together to Cambodia for an exchange program in mid‑July 2026. After returning in late July, they sequentially developed fever, headache, nausea, muscle pain, and retro‑orbital pain and were diagnosed at medical facilities. Relevant health authorities have carried out source‑elimination and chemical control measures at the patients’ residences and activity sites, and are conducting health follow‑up for other members of the group. This case will be monitored until August 6.
CDC surveillance data show that as of August 3 this year, a total of 111 confirmed dengue cases have been recorded, including seven locally transmitted cases, all residing in Kaohsiung City; the remaining 104 were imported, originating from Southeast and South Asian countries, with Indonesia accounting for the most cases (24), followed by Vietnam (23) and the Maldives (15) among nine countries. The cumulative case count this year is lower than the same period in 2025 (130 cases). The global dengue situation persists; by June this year, more than 1.58 million cases had been reported worldwide, primarily in the Americas, with Brazil, Colombia and Bolivia reporting the highest numbers. In neighboring Asian countries such as Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Malaysia, Cambodia, Laos and Bangladesh, recent dengue activity has risen, generally exceeding the previous year’s levels. Sri Lanka faces a severe outbreak, with over 84,000 cases reported to date this year; Cambodia’s epidemic is also rapidly increasing, with more than 28,000 cases reported so far.
The CDC reminds the public that whether traveling domestically during the summer vacation or abroad, it is advisable to wear light‑colored long‑sleeved clothing during outdoor activities and to use mosquito‑repellent products approved by government agencies that contain effective ingredients such as DEET, Picaridin or IR‑3535 to reduce bite risk. Moreover, as dengue activity continues in neighboring Southeast and South Asian regions, the Ministry of Transportation has asked travel operators to reinforce mosquito‑preventive measures for group members while abroad and to conduct health follow‑up after returning. Educational messages are also being disseminated at airports through various channels, urging travelers entering the country to inform quarantine staff promptly if they experience fever, headache, retro‑orbital pain, or muscle‑joint pain—symptoms suggestive of dengue. Healthcare facilities are also urged to stay vigilant, consistently inquire about TOCC (Travel, Occupation, Contact, Cluster histories), use dengue NS1 rapid tests for timely diagnosis, and report cases early to enable public‑health authorities to implement control measures.
The CDC notes that recent domestic temperatures have been high, with occasional afternoon rain across regions, creating conditions favorable for vector mosquito breeding. Because breeding sites are closely linked to daily life, the public is urged to implement the “inspect, overturn, clean, scrub” routine: promptly remove any containers that may hold standing water (e.g., plant saucers, discarded tires, plastic bags); for large containers, contact cleaning crews for assistance; retained items and water‑storage equipment should be regularly scrubbed to remove eggs and stored upside‑down. After rain, inspections should be repeated to reduce the density of vector mosquitoes in the environment, thereby fundamentally blocking mosquito reproduction and protecting community health. Schools at all levels are also reminded to continuously monitor campus environments during the summer break; any water‑holding containers should be cleaned and removed. Particular attention should be given to toilets, water tanks, and other fixtures that have not been used for a long time, as they can become breeding grounds for larvae; regular inspections are essential to prevent campus mosquito breeding. For dengue‑related information, please visit the CDC’s global website (https://www.cdc.gov.tw) for reference, or call the toll‑free epidemic‑prevention hotline 1922 (0800-001922) for inquiries.
Source: Centers for Disease Control
Data compiled: Infection Control Office
