Taiwan CDC, in accordance with Paragraph 2, Article 8 of the Communicable Disease Control Act, has issued an update on the important international epidemics for the 23rd week of the this year, reminding the public who plan to visit the affected areas to be aware of related disease prevention measures.
1.Asia
(1)Avian influenza in Japan, India and Hong Kong: OIE announced (A) Japan reported on May 13, 2008 that two dead wild swans found in Saroma town, Hokkaido respectively on April 18 and May 8, 2008 were confirmed as having highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza, bringing this year’s total to 5 outbreaks(B) India reported on June 3, 2008 that two outbreaks of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza occurred in two villages of West Bengal province during May 1 to 11, 2008, bringing this year’s total to 42 outbreaks. (C) Hong Kong has detected the H5N1 virus in five samples collected from poultry vendors in Sham Shui Po district. As a result, the health officials declared the Po-On Road Market in the district an affected area and suspended all sales of live poultry, closing down the market. To prevent infection, avoid contact with birds and their excreta, and poultry meat and eggs must be fully cooked before serving.
(2)Enterovirus in China, Hong Kong, and Macao: (A) The China CDC, Shandong and Hainan Province health departments respectively announced the statistics on hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) in China: As of June 1, 2008, China has reported a total of 191,180 cases of HFMD, including 74 deaths. As of June 1, 2008, Fuyang City, Anhui Province has reported 7823 cases of HFMD with 23 confirmed as EV-71infection. As of May 31, 2008, Shandong Province has reported 14830 cases of HFMD, while Hainan Province has reported 16793 cases of HFMD with 72 confirmed as EV-71infection as of Jun 1, 2008.(B) Hong Kong Centre for Health Protection confirmed 7 EV-71 cases between June 2 and 4, 2008, bringing this year’s total to 45 cases. (C) The Serviços de Saúde, Macao announced between May 30 and June 4, 2008 that 321 cases of HFMD were reported in 2008 with 41 classified as EV-71 positive. A total of 10 clusters of enterovirus infection were reported this year. Of the ten clusters, 8 occurred in May were caused by EV-71. To prevent infection, please be aware of personal hygiene and avoid going to crowed places.
(3)Dengue fever in Thailand: The Ministry of Public Health Department of Thailand announced on May 30, 2008 that 2760 cases of dengue fever were reported between May 1 and May 24, 2008 (2274 cases of dengue fever were reported during the same period in 2007), bringing this year’s total to 16909 cases, including 21 deaths (10379 cases of dengue fever, including 10 deaths, were reported during the same period in 2007). Among the affected areas, Bangkok had reported the highest number of cases, 2159 cases, while most deaths were mainly reported from the Center area. To prevent infection, people should take measures to prevent mosquito bites.
(4)Group A streptococcal infection and measles in Japan: According to the statistics published by the National Institute of Infectious Diseases in Japan on June 6, 2008 (A) During the 21st week (May 19 to 25), 9111 cases of group A streptococcal infection were reported—the highest number seen in a decade. So far, the cumulative cases reported this year have reached 128400. Tottori Prefecture reported the highest percentage of patient visits to sentinel physicians (79.26%), followed by Yamagata (74.80%) and Toyama (72.00%). 30.4% of these cases belong to the age group of 4 to 5 years and 85% are under 9 years old. Group A streptococcus is the most active in spring and summer. (B) During 21st week of this year, 236 cases of measles were reported, bring the cumulative case number so far this year to 841. The highest number was reported from Kanagawa Prefecture (3083), followed by Hokkaido (1169) and Tokyo (930). 24.6% of the reported cases are aged between 15 to 19 years old (2071), while 46.5% of the cases never received vaccination (3910). To date, 168 pneumonia and 5 encephalitis complications occurred in 2008. Delegates attending the G8 summit held in Hokkaido from July 7 to July 9, 2008 are urged to take preventive measures. Respiratory protection is recommended. Accompanying children should complete the vaccination series.
2.America
Salmonellosis in USA: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced on June 4, 2008 that since late April, 2008, 57 persons infected with Salmonella Saintpaul with the same genetic fingerprint have been identified in New Mexico (33 persons) and Texas (24 persons). Illnesses began between April 23 and May 27, 2008. Patients range in age from 3 to 82 years; 48% are female. At least 17 persons were hospitalized. No deaths have been reported. Raw tomatoes were identified as the likely source of the illnesses. The specific type and source of tomatoes is under investigation; however, preliminary data suggest that large tomatoes, including Roma and round red, are the source of infection. Avoid tomato consuming from the USA or fully cooked before serving.
3.Europe
Avian influenza in United Kingdom: OIE announced that UK reported on June 5, 2008 its first avian influenza outbreak in 2008, which was an outbreak of highly pathogenic H7N7avian influenza that occurred in Shenington farm, Oxfordshire county, England on May 22, 2008. To prevent infection, avoid contact with birds and their excreta, and poultry meat and eggs must be fully cooked before serving.