Taiwan launches digital map on dengue outbreak

Taiwan's health department on Tuesday released a map that informs the public of dengue fever outbreaks.

The map divides the island into neighbourhood units, each with around 450 residents, Xinhua news agency reported.

A unit is highlighted on the map if there has been at least two cases of dengue in the last fortnight, according to a statement by the department.

"We hope the map will help people take precautions," the statement said.

Taiwan recorded 337 new dengue cases on Monday, bringing the total number of cases to 29,921 since May.

Three new deaths, which are suspected to be linked to dengue, were reported on Monday. The confirmed toll is 129.

Taiwan has managed to control the epidemic with a 30 percent drop in new cases from last Monday, said the statement.

The outbreak has been the worst in years. Twenty eight people are currently in intensive care.

Dengue is a mosquito-borne, potentially fatal disease. Symptoms include fever, nausea and muscle and joint aches.