In response to the current confirmed human outbreaks of influenza A (H1N1) in the United States of America, Mexico, and Canada, the Central Epidemic Command Center for influenza A (H1N1) established by the Department of Health of the Executive Yuan stressed that no outbreak of influenza A (H1N1) has occurred in Taiwan and the focus of the current prevention efforts would be to enhance surveillance and case reporting.

Currently, influenza A (H1N1)virus infection is listed as one of the Category I Notifiable Infectious Diseases.All medical institutes are required to report suspected cases of influenza A (H1N1).Further, clinicians are required to collect respiratory swabs from and prescribe antivirals to such patients. Patients with mild Influenza-Like Illness should be advised to remain under home quarantine to prevent passing the infection to other members in the household.On the other hand, patients that require hospitalization should be placed in a negative pressure isolation room for further treatment.

Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (Taiwan CDC) urges all medical personnel to reinforce the implementation of nosocomial infection control measures when administering medical care to prevent nosocomial outbreaks.

Since no confirmed case of influenza A (H1N1) has occurred in Taiwan, the public should not be overly panicked.For more information about influenza A (H1N1) such as international outbreaks, prevention measures, and case definitions for influenza A (H1N1), please visit the Taiwan CDC web site at http://www.cdc.gov.tw or dial the toll-free hotline, 1922, operated by Taiwan CDC.