On August 17, 2009, the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) announced the occurrence of a cluster outbreak at a military base located in central Taiwan, which is by far the largest cluster outbreak of influenza in Taiwan.On August 3, 2009, a new batch of 2700 servicemen in training arrived at the military base.On August 10, 2009, a number of servicemen subsequently developed symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, and body ache.On August 11, 2009, the local health authority conducted an epidemiological investigation when notified of the servicemen displaying influenza-like symptoms.As of noon on August, 17, 2009, a total of 374 servicemen had developed influenza-like symptoms and 81 of them were tested positive for influenza A by rapid diagnostic testing.Laboratory testing confirmed pandemic influenza A (H1N1) and influenza A (H3) infection in these cases.The cases all experienced mild symptoms and the cluster outbreak has been brought under control.

According to the commander of the Communicable Disease Control Medical Network in central Taiwan, necessary precautions such as administering antivirals to those tested positive for influenza by rapid diagnostic testing have been implemented.The health of those tested negative for influenza will be monitored.Simultaneously, the military will cooperate with the local health authority to implement other relevant disease control measures, including reinforcing health education, ensuring environmental hygiene, and requesting personnel at the military base to conduct self-health management.Further, those with influenza-like symptoms will be required to wear a facemask and excused from participating in group activities.

As the pandemic influenza A (H1N1) virus activity in the community has continued to increase, CECC urged the public to observe personal hygiene and cough etiquette to reduce the spread of the virus.On the other hand, people should watch their health when going to crowded places such as the schools and military bases.If influenza-like symptoms develop, please take the necessary precautions and report to the local health authority in order to prevent further transmission of the virus.