TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Despite cooler weather, Taiwan's dengue fever outbreak continues to escalate. On Sunday (Nov. 19), Tainan reported 40 new local cases, bringing the total to 26,160.
Meanwhile, Kaohsiung recorded 51 additional cases, increasing its total to 2,054. The Sanmin District in Kaohsiung reported the highest number of these new cases, as noted by the Kaohsiung Health Department.
The Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reported a decreasing trend in ten dengue fever hotspots in Tainan on Nov. 17.
The Anping, Rende, and Gueiren Districts have been downgraded from hot to warm zones, while the Longci District, with no new cases during the monitored period, has been classified as a cold zone.
The Tainan Dengue Fever Prevention and Control Center advised that mosquito larvae development time increases in temperatures below 20 degrees Celsius. However, their growth and activity are significantly reduced in conditions under 16 degrees.
As temperatures fall, disease-carrying mosquitoes may seek indoor shelters. The center recommends residents wear light-colored long sleeves and pants indoors to protect against mosquitoes.