On June 8, 2009, the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) announced two newly confirmed imported cases of influenza A (H1N1) in Taiwan, which are the 20th and 21st confirmed cases in Taiwan.

The twentieth case is a 27-year-old, Taiwan-born female who traveled to New York, the United States from May 11 to June 6, 2009 with her husband. On June 5, 2009, the case returned to Taiwan from New York through Tokyo. In the evening of June 6, 2009, the case arrived at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport and was detected with a temperature of 38.4℃ by the fever screening station in the airport.She was immediately rushed to the Tao Yuan General Hospital for isolation treatment.In the afternoon of June 7, 2009, influenza A (H1N1) infection was confirmed in the case.According to the case, she experienced discomfort and took some medication on June 3, 2009.Prior to boarding the plane, she has notified the ground staff about her symptoms.Throughout her flight back to Taiwan, she wore a facemask.Therefore, the risk of infecting other passengers on the same flight with her is fairly low.However, the case’s husband is at a higher risk of infection.Therefore, the case’s husband has been given antiviral prophylaxis.

The twenty-first case is a 21-year-old, Taiwan-born female who went to study in Wisconsin, the United States in January, 2009. Before returning to Taiwan, she has traveled to New York and Los Angeles.On June 2, 2009, the case returned to Taiwan from Los Angeles and arrived at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport at night of June 3, 2009.After landing, she was drove home by her father and uncle.On June 6, 2009, when she developed symptoms such as itchy throat and cough, she sought medical attention at a clinic.On June 7, 2009, when her symptoms persisted, she went to a hospital for further medical attention and was listed as a person under investigation.On June 8, 2009, influenza A (H1N1) infection was confirmed in the case.According to the case, she had stayed at home most of the time after returning to Taiwan.Therefore, it is highly likely that the case became infected with influenza A (H1N1) in the United States.CECC indicated that 5 of the case’s family members are considered close contacts and all of them have been given antiviral prophylaxis.

CECC has reported the two cases to the World Health Organization.