The Taiwan Center for Disease Control (Taiwan CDC) today announced an update on avian influenza outbreaks worldwide based on the information provided by the World Health Organization (WHO).On December 8, WHO announced a new confirmed case of human infection with H5N1 in Egypt and a new confirmed case of human infection with H5N1 in Indonesia.In addition, cases of H5N1 avian influenza in poultry have subsequently occurred in several countries, including Japan, Korea and Vietnam, signaling the risk of further transmission.

Taiwan CDC urges travelers visiting areas affected by avian influenza to avoid contact with birds and pay attention to personal hygiene, especially when visiting traditional wet markets.If travelers develop fever and flu-like symptoms upon returning to Taiwan, they could consult quarantine officer at the airport.If their symptom persists, they should put on a surgical mask and seek immediate medical assistance.They should also inform the doctor of their travel and contact history and comply with examination and treatment procedures.Doctors are urged to stay vigilant against cases of avian influenza and report cases of avian influenza to the health authorities as soon as possible.In addition, doctors are advised to prescribe government-funded influenza antiviral medication to those who qualify for the use of the medication.

Taiwan CDC states that Taiwan is about to enter the flu season and the nation-wide government-funded influenza vaccination campaign has begun on December 1, 2010. Taiwan CDC reminds the public that vaccination is the single most effective way to prevent influenza and a way to prevent the possibility of generating new virus due to co-infection of avian influenza virus. Hence, Taiwan CDC urges everyone to get vaccinated against influenza to protect himself/herself.

According to WHO, a cumulative total of 509 confirmed cases of human infection with H5N1, including 303 deaths, have been reported.Between January 1 and December 8, 2010, a total of 41 confirmed cases of human infection with H5N1, including 21 deaths, have been reported in countries and areas, includingCambodia, China, Hong Kong, Egypt, Indonesia and Vietnam, resulting in a mortality rate of about 50%.A very high percentage of the confirmed cases have had contact with birds prior to disease onset.Since 2003, cases of human infection with H5N1 have been reported in countries neighboring Taiwan, including China and countries in Southeast Asia.Until now, no case of human infection with H5N1 has been reported in Taiwan.

For more information concerning avian influenza prevention, government-funded influenza vacation and government-funded influenza antiviral medication, please visit the following website: http://ww.cdc.gov.tw/ or call the toll-free Communicable Disease Reporting and Consultation Hotline, 1922.