Kaohsiung reports imported dengue fever case; Vietnamese student isolated

Kaohsiung health officials confirmed a new imported case of dengue fever on Thursday, involving a Vietnamese student who returned to Taiwan.

The student was detected with a fever of 38.6 degrees Celsius upon arrival at Kaohsiung Airport on June 1. Although an airport rapid test was negative, the student was advised to travel directly to the Kaohsiung Municipal Min-Sheng Hospital for isolation.

A PCR test on June 2 confirmed the dengue fever diagnosis. Fortunately, the student's immediate isolation in a hospital ward prevented any potential transmission within the community or to schools, as they had been working part-time at a restaurant in Sanmin District.

Health authorities emphasized that Southeast Asia remains a dengue-prone region. They are reminding travelers returning from such areas to remain vigilant about their health for 14 days. Symptoms like fever, headache, retro-orbital pain, muscle or joint pain, and rashes should prompt immediate medical attention, with a disclosure of travel history to assist in early diagnosis and reporting.

The swift interception at the airport and the student's cooperation in isolating prevented a wider outbreak, showcasing effective border control and public health response measures.