Kaohsiung Reports First Indigenous Dengue Case of the Year, Genetic Sequencing Underway

The Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (CDC) announced on May 23 the first indigenous dengue fever case of the year, involving a man in his 60s residing in Kaohsiung's Qianzhen District. The patient sought medical attention for fever, headache, and muscle pain, and tested positive for dengue fever type 1. CDC spokesperson Tseng Shu-hui stated that the patient's activities were limited to his home and workplace in Qianzhen, with no history of recent international travel. Two close contacts tested negative. Samples have been sent for genetic sequencing to clarify the source of infection, with results expected by next Tuesday (May 26). Kaohsiung authorities have responded quickly, conducting environmental cleaning and vector surveys. This year's first case appeared earlier than last year's, and with the rainy season approaching, the risk of an outbreak is rising. Authorities warn that Kaohsiung, Tainan, and Pingtung are high-risk areas and urge the public to practice 'inspect, dump, clean, and scrub' to prevent mosquito breeding. To date, 64 dengue cases have been reported in Taiwan this year.