A foreign student at National Chiayi University who arrived in Taiwan from Malaysia last week was diagnosed with dengue fever on Tuesday. It was the third imported case since Aug. 23.
The student, who reportedly had a fever as early as Sept. 2, insisted on taking his flight and landed in Taiwan the following day, where he was intercepted by officers from the Centers for Disease Control at the airport, the United Daily News reported.
The Malaysian tested negative for dengue fever in the rapid screening test, so was let go and stayed at his friend’s home.
After registration at National Chiayi University on Sept. 4, the student was stayed at the students’ hostel in Sinmin Campus where he became very ill with a high fever and weak limbs.
The result of a blood test found the boy was positive for dengue fever, so the Department of Health quickly sent him to the Chia-Yi Hospital for treatment.
Joint authorities including the Department of Health and the Department of Environmental Protection have sent officers to sterilize the hostel and the campus.
The Department of Health appealed to the public to take extra precautions when visiting Southeast Asian countries such as the Philippines, Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia and Vietnam where dengue was present.