New digital map on dengue outbreaks in Taiwan launched

TAIPEI - Taiwan's health department on Tuesday released a map that informs the public of dengue fever outbreaks, as the island can report up to 300 cases daily.

The map divides the island into neighborhood units, each with around 450 residents. A unit is highlighted on the map if there has been at least two cases of dengue in the last fortnight, according to a statement by the department.

"We hope the map will help people take precautions," the statement said.

Taiwan recorded 337 new dengue cases on Monday, bringing the total number of cases to 29,921 since May, according to the department.

Three new deaths, which are suspected to be linked to dengue, were reported on Monday. The confirmed death toll is 129.

Tainan has managed to control the epidemic, with a 30 percent drop in new cases from last Monday, while Kaohsiung is not so lucky, said the statement.

On Monday, a Taipei City government employee was confirmed to have caught dengue fever after visiting Kaohsiung. As a result, a large-scale disinfection of city hall had to be launched.

The outbreak has been the worst in years. Twenty-eight people are currently in intensive care.

Dengue is a mosquito-borne, potentially fatal disease. Symptoms include fever, nausea and muscle and joint aches.