According to the sentinel surveillance data collected by Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (Taiwan CDC), as of January 25, 2008, the incidences of influenza-like illness for the past four weeks(%) are 3.94, 4.19, 4.16, and 4.00 respectively, reflecting a slight decrease over the same period last year(5.63, 5.53, 5.80, and 5.47). However, according to the Worldwide Influenza Surveillance, the influenza epidemics in USA, Europe, China and Mongolia have not shown a downward trend. Therefore, the public is reminded to watch out for influenza virus.
During the 2007~2008 flu season (which begins on July 1 of every year and ends on June 30 the following year), 43 cases of severe influenza were reported. Of the 43 cases, 11 were confirmed, but no deaths. According to the data collected by the symptom surveillance system, as of now, there have been 22 clustered outbreaks (a total of 251 informed cases), which is slightly lower than that reported during the previous flu season (44 cases). 101 patients who were screened for influenza yielded positive results (68 cases were affected by influenza AH1 while 33 cases were affected by influenza AH3). Crowded places that are prone to the occurrence of outbreaks include schools, institutions and camp sites.To prevent infection, the public is urged to pay attention to their personal hygiene. For example, cover nose and mouth with a mask when having a flu or coughing, and rest at home after seeking medical attention. Moreover, to further prevent influenza infection and the complications such as pneumonia or meningitis, parents should avoid bringing children to public places with poor ventilation.
On the other hand, the sentinel surveillance data of Taiwan CDC has also shown enterovirus epidemic peak in Taiwan usually occurs during the 17~33th week each year (from May till September). In addition, this year’s epidemics seemed to be more serious than that in the last year. As of January 25, 2008, the average numbers of enterovirus cases diagnosed by each physician for the past 4 weeks were 2.48, 2.11, 2.22, and 2.74 respectively, which are higher than that during the same period last year. Among these cases, 15 cases were severe cases of enterovirus infection and 5 cases were confirmed, reflecting a sharp increase over the same period last year (1 suspected case and 0 confirmed case).
Taiwan CDC would like to remind the public to take special care of themselves and the infants. When returning home from public places, wash hands properly before cuddling or feeding young infant, which will help lower the chance of infants becoming infected with enterovirus. If young children were diagnosed with enterovirus infection, parents should observe if their children develop the prodromal symptoms of severe enterovirus infection such as drowsiness, unconsciousness, decreased activities, weakness, myoclonic seizure, persistent vomiting or fever, irritability, coma, neck stiffness, paralysis, convulsion, shortness of breath, tachycardia or other suspected symptoms of severe enterovirus infection. If the aforementioned symptoms develop, please seek medical assistance immediately for prompt treatment.For more information, please refer to “Communicable Diseases & Prevention” under “Health Topics” on the Taiwan CDC web site (http://www.cdc.gov.tw).