The First Domestic Dengue Fever Outbreak in Chiayi County, 2018

In August 2018, Sikou Township, Chiayi County, identified the first local dengue fever outbreak in the county. During this epidemic, 2 laboratory-confirmed dengue cases were reported. Chiayi County Government and Taiwan Centers for Disease Control cooperated to control the dengue cluster, assessed the effectiveness of vector control measures using the various intervention methods. This dengue cluster was under control quickly. We recommended using multiple ways of advocacy for dengue control, by providing information to the public and health care workers to improve prevention and awareness of dengue fever, and facilitate early detection of dengue cases to reduce the risk of transmission among communities. The main strategies to control dengue fever in rarely occurring dengue cities are early detection of high-risk dengue areas, cooperation with the relevant institutions, and following the Guidelines for Dengue Control to stop the spreading of dengue fever.