TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Tainan City Education Bureau on Wednesday launched an interactive digital course on dengue fever prevention, developed using virtual reality technology.

The course leverages VR to recreate real-life situations, so students can learn how to identify and eliminate mosquito breeding grounds, Tainan Government Secretary General Fang Jin-cheng (方進呈) said. The immersive design enables participants to translate theoretical knowledge into practical action in a game-like environment.

Fang added that campus epidemic prevention education plays a crucial role in the city's overall strategy. Through this system, students can engage in an interactive experience to gain accurate dengue prevention knowledge.

Tainan eliminated local dengue fever cases last year. Common symptoms include sudden high fever, headaches, pain behind the eyes, muscle pain, joint pain, and a rash, according to Keelung City Government.

Mayor Huang Wei-che (黃偉哲) said that with spring approaching, temperatures rising, and occasional rainfall, the conditions are ideal for mosquito breeding. As standing water as shallow as 0.5 cm can breed mosquitoes, Huang urged citizens to follow the “inspect, empty, clean, scrub” measures, per LTN.

The course is a collaboration between the Education Bureau, He Shun Junior High School, the National Mosquito-Borne Diseases Control Research Center, and Asp Digital Design. He Shun Junior High Principal Tu Chun-hsing (杜俊興) explained that traditional epidemic prevention education methods may not capture the attention of students or the public.

Virtual reality technology has provided a new learning model that is expected to enhance epidemic prevention efforts.

Until April 25, an online competition will be held, using gaming to encourage students to actively learn about dengue fever prevention. By combining VR courses with the competition, the initiative aims to promote better understanding and participation in dengue fever prevention.