The latest forecast from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) indicates that El Niño may intensify further in the coming months, potentially developing into a strong El Niño.
El Niño could further raise global temperatures and alter atmospheric circulation and rainfall patterns, increasing the risk of extreme weather events.
Some regions may face disasters such as short-duration heavy rainfall, torrential rain, and flooding due to more concentrated rainfall, while other regions may experience drought and water shortages.
International research shows that the high temperatures, warm winter, and abnormal rainfall brought about by El Niño may affect the growth and reproduction of disease-carrying mosquitoes, increasing the risk of dengue fever transmission.
Rising temperatures may shorten the growth cycle of disease-carrying mosquitoes, accelerating their reproduction rate; high temperatures may also shorten the time required for the dengue virus to multiply in mosquitoes to become infectious, increasing the chances of virus transmission.
On the other hand, after heavy rainfall, torrential rain, or continuous rainfall, various types of stagnant water environments easily form both indoors and outdoors, increasing the breeding opportunities for disease-carrying mosquitoes.
Due to the El Niño phenomenon facilitating dengue fever transmission and the ongoing international outbreaks of dengue fever and other mosquito-borne infectious diseases, coupled with the peak summer travel season, the public is urged to take mosquito prevention measures while traveling abroad and seek medical attention immediately if they experience any symptoms upon returning home, in order to jointly prevent dengue fever.
Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that as of July 6th this year, there have been a total of 83 confirmed dengue fever cases, including 7 local cases, all residing in Kaohsiung City; and 76 imported cases, all from Southeast and South Asian countries, with Indonesia (21 cases) being the most numerous, followed by the Maldives (14 cases) and Vietnam (11 cases).
The cumulative number of cases this year is lower than the same period last year (2025) (91 cases).
The global dengue fever outbreak remains severe, with over 1.44 million cases reported as of May this year.
The majority of cases are in the Americas, with Brazil having the highest number, followed by Bolivia and Colombia.
Neighboring Asian countries such as Vietnam, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Bangladesh, and Laos have recently seen an increase in cases, with many exceeding the number from the same period last year, and showing a trend of co-circulation of multiple serotypes (DENV).
Given the current rainy season in Southeast Asia, the overall outbreak is expected to remain at its peak.
Health authorities are closely monitoring mosquito density in communities and strengthening patrols and prevention efforts in high-risk areas.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) explained that with recent persistent high temperatures and frequent afternoon thunderstorms across Taiwan, post-rain environmental cleanup is crucial for dengue fever prevention.
Residents should proactively inspect their homes and surrounding areas, thoroughly removing water-collecting containers such as flowerpot saucers, discarded tires, and other stacked items.
Unused containers should be turned upside down or properly stored. A second inspection should be conducted after rain to ensure thorough cleaning and prevent mosquitoes from laying eggs and breeding.
The Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reminds the public that the current climate is suitable for mosquito breeding and activity.
When engaging in outdoor activities, the public is advised to wear light-colored long-sleeved clothing and use government-approved mosquito repellents containing effective ingredients such as DEET, Picaridin, or Imamectin (IR-3535).
If you experience symptoms resembling dengue fever, such as fever, headache, retro-orbital pain, or muscle and joint pain, please seek medical attention immediately and inform your doctor of your travel history.
Medical institutions are also urged to be vigilant, implement TOCC (travel, occupation, contact, and social contact) inquiries, use the dengue NS1 rapid test kit to aid diagnosis, and report cases promptly to facilitate timely prevention and control measures by health authorities.
Furthermore, given the ongoing international dengue fever outbreak, if you experience symptoms resembling dengue fever, such as fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, or rash upon arrival in Taiwan, please inform airport quarantine personnel.
For information related to dengue fever, please visit the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control website (https://www.cdc.gov.tw) or call the toll-free epidemic prevention hotline 1922 (0800-001922).
Source:
Link: https://www.cdc.gov.tw/Bulletin/Detail/iheCGS59dCugdGfswWuh5Q?typeid=9
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