With regard to the recent detection of influenza A (H1N1) infection in pigs on a pig farm in Taitung by the Council of Agriculture, the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) indicated that an epidemiological investigation concerning the incident had been conducted. One of the seven people who had close contacts with the infected pigs had developed respiratory symptoms, but was found to be negative for influenza A by the rapid diagnostic test.The person was diagnosed with common cold by the physician.CECC also stated that the incident would not alter the existing measures implemented to help control the ongoing pandemic influenza A (H1N1) outbreaks, including the priority for pandemic influenza A (H1N1) vaccination.

Further, CECC pointed out that the pandemic influenza A (H1N1) virus is being transmitted easily among humans and the pandemic influenza A (H1N1) vaccination priority list was discussed and decided by various vaccine experts and CECC.Despite the incident of influenza A (H1N1) infection in pigs, direct transmission of influenza A (H1N1) virus from pigs to humans is rare, far more rarer than human-to-human transmission of the virus.Therefore, people working closely with pigs or other animals are not at higher risk for the infection and the priority for pandemic influenza A (H1N1) vaccination will thus not be altered.To effectively reduce the possibility of community transmission of pandemic influenza A (H1N1), people affected by Typhoon Morakot, health care and public health personnel, pregnant women, infants/babies and students remain on top of the priority list for pandemic influenza A (H1N1) vaccination.