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 17th week of this year, reminding people who plan to visit the affected areas to be aware of related disease prevention measures.
1. Asia:
(1) Avian influenza in animals in Vietnam and Bangladesh: OIE announced that (A) Vietnam reported 5 new outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza in three provinces between March 27 and April 15, 2008. So far, a total of 42 outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza have been reported in Vietnam in 2008. (B) Bangladesh reported 156 new outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza between January 11 and April 14, 2008. So far, a total of 218 outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza have been reported in Bangladesh in 2008. So far, a total of 406 outbreaks of avian influenza have been reported in 17 countries this year. To prevent infection, avoid contact with birds and their excreta, and poultry meat and eggs must be fully cooked before serving.
(2) Cholera in Vietnam: WHO announced on April 17, 2008 that the Ministry of Health of Vietnam reported 2,490 cases of severe acute watery diarrhea, including 377 that were positive for Vibrio cholerae, between March 5 and 22 April, 2008. The serotype has been identified as O1 Ogawa. Until now, 20 provinces and municipalities of Vietnam have been affected. The majority of people infected with the disease are Hanoi residents. The predominant route of infection appears to be consumption of contaminated food. To prevent infection, please pay attention to food hygiene.
(3) EV-71 in Hong Kong: HK Centre for Health Protection (CHP) announced on April 19 and April 24, 2008 that 2 new EV-71 cases have been confirmed. The first case is a 7-year-old girl who developed symptoms on April 13 and have contacted with a 2-year-old and a 13-year-old EV-71 confirmed cases before her onset. The second case is a 3-year-old boy from China who went to HK on April 17, developed symptoms on April 19, was hospitalized on April 21, and was discharged from the hospital and went back to China on April 24. So far, a total of 7 cases of EV-71 infection have been reported to CHP this year. 8, 16 and 12 cases of EV-71 infection were respectively reported in 2005, 2006 and 2007. To prevent infection, avoid going to crowded places.
(4) Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease in Singapore and Thailand: (A) The Ministry of Health of Singapore announced on April 22, 2008 that during week 16(April 13-April 19, 2008), a total of 1,245 cases of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFM) were reported in Singapore, reflecting a 25% increase over the last week (1,000 cases). So far, a cumulative total of 7,560 HFM cases have been reported in 2008. 4,510 cases were reported during the same period in 2007. Among those cases, 19% are tested positive for EV-71 virus. (B) The Ministry of Health of Thailand announced on April 18, 2008 that during week 15 (April 6-April 12, 2008), a total of 96 cases of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFM) were reported in Thailand. 26 cases were reported during the same period in 2007. So far, a cumulative total of 6,028 HFM cases have been reported in 2008, while 854 cases were reported during the same period in 2007. This year, the majority of the cases, 998 cases, were reported in Bangkok. To prevent infection, avoid going to crowded places.
2. Europe:
Measles in England, Switzerland, Germany and Austria: (A) The Health Protection Agency of England announced that during week 16 (April 12-April 18, 2008), a total of 77 measles cases were reported in England and Wales. 51 cases were reported during the same period in 2007. So far, a cumulative total of 1,288 measles cases have been reported in 2008. 719 cases were reported during the same period in 2007. (B) The Federal Office of Public Health in Switzerland announced on April 21, 2008 that during week 15 (April 9-April 15, 2008), a total of 69 measles cases were reported in Switzerland. 9 and 2 cases of measles were respectively reported in 2007 and 2006. So far, a cumulative total of 1,204 measles cases have been reported in 2008. 151 and 21 cases were reported during the same period in 2007 and 2006. (C) The Robert Koch-Institut Epidemiology Weekly Bulletin of Germany announced on April 18, 2008 that during week 13, a total of 42 measles cases were reported in Germany. So far, a cumulative total of 206 measles cases have been reported in Germany in 2008. 140 measles cases were reported in 2007. This year, the majority of the cases, 106 cases, were reported in Baden-Wurttemberg. (D) ECDC announced on April 17, 2008 that the current measles outbreak at an anthroposophic school and day care center in Salzburg has affected, as of mid-April, 207 people in Austria. The virus genotype is D5, which is possibly imported from Switzerland. The previous cluster in Austria was reported in 2003 with 64 measles cases reported. To prevent infection, avoid going to crowded places.
3. Africa:
Rift Valley fever in Madagascar: WHO announced on April 18, 2008 that, as of 17 April 2008, the Ministry of Health of Madagascar has reported a total of 418 suspected cases, including 17 deaths (CFR 4%), of Rift Valley fever from Alaotra Mangoro, Analamanga, Itasy, Vakinakaratra and Anosy Regions. Infection with Rift Valley Fever Virus (RVFV) has been laboratory confirmed in 59 human cases. To prevent infection, people should take measures to prevent mosquito bites.