According to data from the Real-time Outbreak and Disease Surveillance System operated by the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (Taiwan CDC), the proportion of patients visiting emergency room due to diarrhea have been increasing continuously for five consecutive weeks since the beginning of winter 2009-2010 and is higher than that during the same period in previous winter season (2008-2009). In addition, according to data from the School-based Surveillance System run by Taiwan CDC, the morbidity of diarrheal disease has increased significantly. Specimens obtained from twelve diarrhea clusters occurred during this period were tested positive for norovirus and one cluster was tested positive for rotavirus. In order to decrease the chance of virus infections, Taiwan CDC urges the public to wash hands frequently and to strengthen food sanitation and personal hygiene. People are advised to seek medical attention and stay home and rest when feeling sick.
Winter is the epidemic season of viral gastroenteritis. Viral gastroenteritis is mainly characterized by symptoms of diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, cramps, and fever and can be caused by a variety of viruses, while rotavirus and norovirus are the two most common agents. This disease is transmitted mostly through faecal-oral route. Viruses can survive in the vomitus and stool of infected people for a long time and infect others through the consumption of virus-contaminated food or close contact with the patients.
Taiwan CDC calls on all hospitals, schools, and residents of populated institutions to keep high vigilance for cases with suspect symptoms of viral gastroenteric infection, including diarrhea and vomit. Moreover, suspected cases of viral gastroenteritis should be appropriately isolated to avoid further transmission. Besides seeking immediate medical assistance, patients from possible cluster of infections should be reported to local health departments as soon as possible in order to initiate timely disease-control measures and prevent further transmission.
For any questions or further information on infectious diseases, please call the toll-free Communicable Disease Reporting and Consultation Hotline, 1922, or visit the Taiwan CDC’s website at