A community cluster of local dengue fever breaks out in Changhua City. The Health Bureau adds one more case and issues fines for dirty spots.

Following the first local confirmed case of dengue fever in Changhua County this year on September 18, 2026, today (October 1), the Changhua County Health Bureau announced another new local case, a man in his 60s living in Changhua City , began to develop fever, diarrhea, general weakness and other symptoms in late September. He went to see a doctor and then returned home. Later, he went to the hospital again because his symptoms did not improve. After being notified and submitted for examination, he was diagnosed with dengue fever and the first type of dengue virus was detected. The case is currently hospitalized, and none of the close contacts have any suspected symptoms.

The Health Bureau stated that this is the second local case this year. There was no history of foreign travel during the incubation period. After investigation, the case’s residence is about 110 meters away from the residence of the first local case of dengue fever type 1 in Changhua County announced on September 18. It is initially determined to be a community cluster event and the first local dengue fever cluster in Changhua County since 2023. Further sequencing will be conducted to clarify the connection between the two cases.

In order to prevent the epidemic from continuing to spread to the community, the Health Bureau plans to set up community screening stations to expand testing and calls on nearby residents to self-monitor their health. However, the community is located in the center of Changhua City. After the first confirmed case was discovered, the Health Bureau worked with the Environmental Protection Bureau last week to carry out epidemic prevention operations at the case's home and activity location, including a density survey of vector mosquitoes, removal of breeding sources, environmental cleanup, door-to-door health education and health monitoring. It was found that there were 8 dirty spots in the surrounding area that were high-risk areas for vector mosquito breeding sources. The community or home was required by law to clean them up within a time limit, otherwise fines would be imposed.

Health Director Ye Yanbo said that last week it was announced that fines would be issued if the inspection was not handled today. Most of the results were not cleared. Fines will be issued in accordance with the law and improvements will be made within a time limit. If improvements are not made, fines will be issued on a daily basis. The fines range from 3,000 yuan to 15,000 yuan. The fines are very heavy. I hope the public will face the need to eliminate the sources of breeding.

The Health Bureau reminds that the most effective way to prevent dengue fever is to clear water-stagnant containers, implement the four steps of "inspection, emptying, cleaning and brushing", and inspect the indoor and outdoor environment at least once a week, especially flowerpot bottoms, buckets, discarded tires, bottles and cans, drainage channels and other places where water is likely to accumulate.