Expertise: General infectious diseases, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and related diseases

As global temperatures rise, the combination of increased rainfall and prolonged heat has made Taiwan’s summers longer and more humid. Under these conditions, dengue fever has emerged as a critical public health concern. Dengue fever is an acute viral illness caused by the dengue virus. The virus is transmitted primarily by two types of mosquitoes: Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. The virus spreads when a mosquito bites an infected person during their infectious period (from approximately one day before to five days after the onset of symptoms) and subsequently bites others.

 

Understanding the Disease Vectors

Understanding the behavior of these mosquitoes is the first step in prevention:

l  Aedes aegypti: Prefers to rest indoors and is mainly found in southern Taiwan, particularly south of Chiayi.

l  Aedes albopictus: Typically rests outdoors and is distributed across low-altitude areas and plains throughout Taiwan.

 

Both species breed in stagnant water. Therefore, maintaining a clean environment and eliminating standing water are the most effective ways to control the spread.

Recognizing Symptoms: "Breakbone Fever"

Dengue fever is often called "breakbone fever" because of the severe muscle and joint pain it causes. Common symptoms include:

l  Sudden high fever (?38°C).

l  Severe headache and pain behind the eyes (retro-orbital pain).

l  Severe muscle and joint pain.

l  Skin rashes.

 

Warning Signs of Severe Dengue:

If you experience abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, mucosal bleeding (such as bleeding gums), lethargy, restlessness, or confusion, prompt medical attention is strongly recommended. Patients with chronic conditions (such as diabetes or kidney failure) or those with a history of infection with a different dengue serotype are at a higher risk of developing severe complications.

 

Treatment and Important Medication Safety

If you suspect you have dengue, please seek medical evaluation promptly. Most mild cases—provided the patient is not pregnant, not an infant or elderly, and without underlying chronic diseases—can be managed at home with outpatient follow-ups.

 

Care Guidelines:

l  Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.

l  Pain Management: Use Acetaminophen (e.g., Panadol) for fever and pain.

l  Crucial Warning: Do NOT take Aspirin or Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), such as Ibuprofen, as these may increase the risk of bleeding complications.

 

The Core of Prevention: "Search, Empty, Clean, and Scrub"

While chemical spraying (insecticides) kills adult mosquitoes, it cannot eliminate the mosquito larvae present in water. The most effective method is "source reduction" through these four steps:

l  Search: Regularly check your home and surroundings for any containers that hold water.

l  Empty: Pour out stagnant water immediately.

l  Clean: Properly dispose of unnecessary items like old tires, buckets, or bottles.

l  Scrub: This is the most overlooked step. Mosquito eggs cling to the walls of containers. You must scrub the surfaces clean and turn containers upside down to ensure no eggs survive.

 

Personal Protection and Vaccine Status

When traveling to areas where dengue is prevalent:

l  Wear light-colored, long-sleeved shirts and long pants.

l  Use government-approved insect repellents containing DEET, Picaridin, or IR3535.

l  Travel Precautions: Pregnant women should postpone non-essential travel to dengue-endemic regions.

l  Blood Donation: If you have traveled to a high-risk area or had contact with a confirmed case, please defer blood donation for four weeks. Recovered patients should wait four weeks after becoming symptom-free before donating blood.

 

Dengue Vaccines

While dengue vaccines have been developed, they are not yet part of the routine vaccination schedule in Taiwan. This is because some currently available vaccines are recommended only for individuals with documented prior dengue infection; for individuals without prior dengue infection, the vaccine may increase the risk of severe disease upon subsequent infection. Currently, environmental management and personal protection remain our primary defenses.

 

Conclusion

Dengue fever is a significant public health issue that affects more than just the individual; it has the potential to cause widespread outbreaks through mosquito transmission. Effective prevention requires a multi-faceted approach involving the government, communities, and individuals. By staying committed to the "Search, Empty, Clean, and Scrub" routine and prioritizing personal protection, we can build a resilient defense against this disease.

 

Reference:

Taiwan Centers for Disease Control. Dengue Fever. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov.tw. Accessed April 2026.