Special squads of health workers searched back alleys yesterday for old buckets, flower pots and other containers with stagnant water that could breed mosquitoes, which have already infected 290 Taiwanese with dengue fever this summer.
Officials began reporting cases in June in southern Taiwan, and the vast majority -- 205 cases -- have been in Kaohsiung, the island province's second-largest city, said Liu Ming-hsun of the Center for Disease Control.
Another 84 cases were reported in Kaohsiung County and one person became sick in the capital, Taipei, in the north, Liu said.
The illness is common in tropical regions and is fatal if treatment is delayed. Symptoms usually include headaches, cramps, rashes, severe muscle and back pain that can last for two weeks.
Dengue fever is caused by mosquitoes that bite during the daytime and breed in clogged drains, abandoned tires and old containers.
Taiwan's TVBS cable news showed crews of health workers dressed in bright yellow vests and holding clipboards as they inspected the narrow alleys in Kaohsiung. One official spotted a small metal bowl filled with dirty water and showed it to a residents.
There were 201 dengue cases in Kaohsiung last year. Some health officials have speculated the increase this year could have been caused by hotter temperatures and changes in rainfall.
(eastday.com July 16, 2002)
