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Update Date: 2010/04/21 19:36
Taiwan is about to enter the peak season for dengue fever. Research indicates that domestic dengue fever patients are primarily adults around 50 years old, especially those who have previously been infected with dengue fever or suffer from chronic conditions such as hypertension or diabetes. These individuals face a higher risk of developing "dengue hemorrhagic fever." (Reported by Chen Yihua)
The National Science Council research team analyzed epidemiological data from the 2002 to 2007 dengue fever outbreaks in southern Taiwan and found that infections predominantly affected adults around 50 years old. This differs significantly from neighboring Southeast Asian regions, where children are the main demographic, with 80–90% showing no symptoms. In Taiwan, 70% of patients exhibit symptoms such as fever and rashes. Additionally, the study revealed that individuals aged 60 and above with chronic diseases are more likely to develop severe dengue hemorrhagic fever if infected.
Dr. Liu Ching-chuan, Director of the Pediatrics Department at National Cheng Kung University Hospital, stated: "In Taiwan, dengue fever primarily affects adults, whereas in neighboring Southeast Asian countries, it mainly affects children. There, 80–90% of cases are asymptomatic, whereas here, 70% show symptoms. Moreover, elderly individuals with underlying conditions—such as hypertension, chronic kidney disease, or diabetes—are at higher risk and should be especially cautious."
Liu pointed out that the early symptoms of dengue fever resemble the flu, including fever, fatigue, and body aches. If a blood screening test can confirm a drop in white blood cell and platelet counts or abnormal liver function before rashes appear, it can help diagnose dengue fever early. Early detection and treatment can reduce the risk of severe progression or even death. Additionally, Liu observed that dengue fever cases have been increasing in recent years, with outbreaks shifting northward from Greater Kaohsiung to Tainan. However, due to global warming, the epidemic may continue to spread northward in the future.
Source: http://tw. news. yahoo. com/ article/ url/ d/ a/ 100421/ 1/ 24as7. html
Study: Dengue Fever in China Predominantly Affects People in Their 50s
Taiwan is about to enter the peak season for dengue fever. Research indicates that domestic dengue fever patients are primarily adults around 50 years old, especially those who have previously been infected with dengue fever or suffer from chronic conditions such as hypertension or diabetes. These individuals face a higher risk of developing "dengue hemorrhagic fever." (Reported by Chen Yihua)
The National Science Council research team analyzed epidemiological data from the 2002 to 2007 dengue fever outbreaks in southern Taiwan and found that infections predominantly affected adults around 50 years old. This differs significantly from neighboring Southeast Asian regions, where children are the main demographic, with 80–90% showing no symptoms. In Taiwan, 70% of patients exhibit symptoms such as fever and rashes. Additionally, the study revealed that individuals aged 60 and above with chronic diseases are more likely to develop severe dengue hemorrhagic fever if infected.
Dr. Liu Ching-chuan, Director of the Pediatrics Department at National Cheng Kung University Hospital, stated: "In Taiwan, dengue fever primarily affects adults, whereas in neighboring Southeast Asian countries, it mainly affects children. There, 80–90% of cases are asymptomatic, whereas here, 70% show symptoms. Moreover, elderly individuals with underlying conditions—such as hypertension, chronic kidney disease, or diabetes—are at higher risk and should be especially cautious."
Liu pointed out that the early symptoms of dengue fever resemble the flu, including fever, fatigue, and body aches. If a blood screening test can confirm a drop in white blood cell and platelet counts or abnormal liver function before rashes appear, it can help diagnose dengue fever early. Early detection and treatment can reduce the risk of severe progression or even death. Additionally, Liu observed that dengue fever cases have been increasing in recent years, with outbreaks shifting northward from Greater Kaohsiung to Tainan. However, due to global warming, the epidemic may continue to spread northward in the future.
Source: http://tw. news. yahoo. com/ article/ url/ d/ a/ 100421/ 1/ 24as7. html