- According to surveillance and investigation data from the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (CDC), there has been a recent cluster of imported Dengue fever cases involving Taiwanese groups traveling abroad for medical voluntary services. Some of these members were university faculty and students. Considering that overseas volunteer work and international exchange activities often require long hours outdoors, and accommodations may lack adequate mosquito control equipment (such as window screens, screen doors, or mosquito nets), the risk of contracting mosquito-borne diseases like Dengue fever is significantly increased.
- If you are planning to travel to Dengue-endemic regions for medical missions, volunteer services, or other international exchange activities, please properly assess the risks. Before departure, ensure the following health education guidelines are provided and implemented:
- (1) Wear Protective Clothing & Use Repellent: Wear light-colored, long-sleeved shirts and long pants during local activities. Apply government-approved mosquito repellents containing active ingredients such as DEET, Picaridin, or IR3535 to prevent mosquito bites.
- (2) Choose Suitable Accommodations: Select lodging equipped with window/door screens, air conditioning, or mosquito nets to minimize exposure to vector mosquitoes.
- (3) Monitor Group Health: Pay close attention to the health status of all members. If anyone develops suspected Dengue symptoms—such as fever, headache, retro-orbital (behind the eye) pain, muscle pain, joint pain, bone pain, or skin rash—seek medical attention immediately.
- (4) Voluntary Reporting at Ports of Entry: If suspected Dengue fever symptoms occur during overseas activities or upon arrival back in Taiwan, proactively report them to Taiwan CDC quarantine officers at the airport or seaport.
- (5) 14-Day Self-Health Monitoring After Returning: Monitor your health for 14 days after returning to Taiwan. If suspected Dengue symptoms appear during this period, seek medical care promptly and inform the physician of your TOCC details:
- Travel history
- Occupation
- Contact history
- Cluster details
- For the latest Dengue fever epidemic updates and health education materials, please visit the Taiwan CDC Official Website under Infectious Diseases & Epidemic Prevention / Introduction to Infectious Diseases / Dengue Fever to view or download resources.
Sanitary & Health Care Section, Office of Student Affairs, Yuan Ze University Cares About You 💖