In light of the damages brought about by Typhoon Morakot, the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) has agreed to loosen the restrictions on the use of Tamiflu at the 156 medical and health care centers in the 13 typhoon-affected areas.People living in the typhoon-affected areas who develop influenza-like symptoms and are diagnosed with pandemic influenza A (H1N1) will be given Tamiflu without further confirmation by rapid diagnostic test to ensure prompt treatment.

To administer early treatment to patients with pandemic influenza A (H1N1) infection and prevent the occurrence of complications and deaths, CECC has designated 300 locations to dispatch antivirals to people that have been detected with pandemic influenza A (H1N1) infection by rapid diagnostic test beginning August 1, 2009.According to the disease surveillance data compiled by the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (Taiwan CDC), the consultation rate to the emergency department has been increasing.Due to the extent of damages resulted by Typhoon Morakot, CECC decided to loosen the restrictions on the use of Tamiflu in the typhoon-affected areas, including Taichung City, Taichung County, Changhua County, Nantou County, Yunlin County, Jiayi City, Jiayi County, Tainan City, Tainan County, Pintung County and Taitung County, in order to make sure that people living in these areas can receive treatment promptly and prevent further transmission of the disease.

Antivirals will be included in the National Health Insurance coverage beginning August 15, 2009.

As of noon on August 11, 2009, a total of 19 complicated cases of pandemic influenza A (H1N1) have been confirmed.Of the cases, 10 have been discharged, 4 are staying at public wards, the other 4 are receiving treatment at intensive care wards, and one has died.No new complicated case or cluster outbreak was confirmed on August 10, 2009.On the other hands, cases with mild symptoms continue to increase as the consultation rate to the emergency department and outpatient clinic continue to increase.Approximately, a total of over 6 thousands cases of pandemic influenza A (H1N1) infection have been confirmed.