Third Mother-to-Infant Dengue Transmission Confirmed in Taiwan

The global outbreak of dengue fever in 2023 includes countries in the Pacific Region, such as Taiwan.

Taiwan's National Infectious Disease Statistics System today reported the local dengue outbreak has begun to recede.

As of October 18, 2023, Taiwan confirmed 17,588 dengue cases and 32 related deaths this year. Tainan City has confirmed 14,017 of these dengue cases.

Separately, the Taipei Times reported the second instance of vertical transmission of dengue fever in 2023.

Taiwan's Centers for Disease Control physician, Lin Yung-ching, stated that a case of mother-to-infant dengue transmission was confirmed, affecting a five-day-old boy, the second such case in 2023, and the third ever in Taiwan.

The mother was diagnosed with dengue one day after giving birth. Dr. Lin said the infant developed a fever five days later and tested positive for dengue.

As the baby had been in hospital since birth and had a short incubation period, the disease was most likely transmitted vertically, he said.

The U.S. CDC says a pregnant woman infected with dengue can pass the virus to her fetus during pregnancy or around birth. And there has been one documented report of dengue spread through breast milk.

Because of the benefits of breastfeeding, mothers are encouraged to breastfeed even in areas with a risk of dengue, says the CDC.

Dengue is a vaccine-preventable disease, with two approved dengue vaccines in 2023.