Taiwan CDC, in accordance with Paragraph 2, Article 8 of the Communicable Disease Control Act, has issued an update on the important international epidemics for the 10th week of this year, reminding people who plan to visit the affected areas to be aware of related disease prevention measures.
1. Asia:
(1) Measles in Japan: The National Institute of Infectious Diseases announced that during week 8 (February 18-February 24, 2008), a total of 370 measles cases were reported in Japan. The majority of the cases, 117 cases, were reported in Kanagawa-ken County. A cumulative total of 2,638 measles cases were reported between weeks 1 and 8 in 2008. Of those cases, 667 cases (25.3%) are aged between 15 to 19 years, and 1,309 cases (49.6%) were unvaccinated. To prevent infection, avoid going to crowded places.
(2) Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease in Thailand: The Ministry of Health of Thailand announced that during week 8 (February 17-February 23, 2008), a total of 260 cases of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFM) were reported in Thailand. (68 cases were reported during the same period in 2007) A cumulative total of 4,277 HFM cases were reported between weeks 1 and 8 in 2008 (554 cases were reported during the same period in 2007), including 1 death. The majority of the cases, 540 cases, were reported in Bangkok. To prevent infection, avoid going to crowded places.
2. America:
(1) Yellow fever in Brazil: The Ministry of Health of Brazil announced that Brazil had reported 59 suspected cases of yellow fever since 2007, including 33 confirmed cases and 17 deaths. 61% of the cases, 20 cases including 12 deaths, were reported in Goiás State. The onset dates for the confirmed cases range between December 16, 2007 and February 14, 2008. Their ages are between 15 to 69 years, and 91% (30 cases) were unvaccinated. To prevent infection, people should take measures to prevent mosquito bites.
(2) Influenza in the United States: US CDC announced that during week 8 (February 17- February 23, 2008), influenza widespread activity was reported by 49 states, regional activity was reported by Florida, and the District of Columbia reported local influenza activity. During week 8, 8.2% of all deaths were reported as due to pneumonia and influenza (P&I). P&I mortality has been above threshold for seven consecutive weeks. Since September 30, 2007, laboratories have tested a total of 122,962 specimens for influenza viruses, and 18,923 (15.4%) were positive. Among the 18,923 influenza viruses, 1,416 were influenza A (H1) viruses and 2,794 were influenza A (H3) viruses, 11,252 were influenza A (not subtyped) viruses and 3,461 (18.3%) were influenza B viruses. To prevent infection, avoid going to crowded places.
3. Europe:
Influenza in Europe: ECDC announced that during week 8 (February 18- February 24, 2008), a medium level of influenza activity were reported in Belgium, Ireland, Norway and Poland, and in most other countries, the influenza activity is unchanging or declining. Since week 40, 2007, according to sentinel and non-sentinel data, 10,964 influenza positive specimens have been detected. 4435 (40%) were type A (not subtyped), 3623 were A(H1), 96 were A(H3), and 2810 were B. To prevent infection, avoid going to crowded places.
4. Africa:
Avian influenza in Egypt: WHO announced on March 4 and March 5, 2008 that the Ministry of Health of Egypt has confirmed two cases of human infection of H5N1 avian influenza. The first case is a 25-year-old female from Sennoris District, Fayum Governorate. She developed symptoms on February 24, and was hospitalized on February 27. Her death has now been confirmed by the Ministry of Health and Population. Investigations into the source of her infection indicate that she had contact with sick poultry prior to becoming unwell. The second case is an 11-year-old male from Menof District, Menofia Governorate. He was hospitalized with symptoms on February 26, and was confirmed as being infected with A(H5N1) on March 4. He remains in a critical condition. Investigations into the source of his infection indicate a history of contact with sick and dead poultry. Of the 46 cases confirmed to date in Egypt, 20 have been fatal. Of the 22 cases confirmed to date around the world, 18 have been fatal. To prevent infection, avoid contact with birds and their excreta, and poultry meat and eggs must be fully cooked before serving.