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 3rd 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 Indonesia: (A) WHO announced on January 15, 2008 that the Ministry of Health of Indonesia has announced a new case of human infection of H5N1 avian influenza. A 32-year-old female from Tangerang District, Banten Province developed symptoms on January 3, 2008, was hospitalized on January 9, 2008, and died on January 10, 2008. Investigations indicate the case had contact with birds and poultry a week prior to her onset of symptoms. (B) WHO announced on January 18, 2008 that the Ministry of Health of Indonesia has announced the death of a previously confirmed case of H5N1 infection. The 16-year-old female from West Java Province died on January 15, 2008. Of the 118 cases confirmed to date in Indonesia, 96 have been fatal. To prevent infection, avoid contact with birds and their excreta, and poultry meat and eggs must be fully cooked before serving.
(2) Avian influenza in animals in India and Iran: (A) OIE announced that India reported 2 new outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza in West Bangal Province between January 4, 2008 and January 7, 2008. This is the first report on the occurrence of highly pathogenic avian influenza in India in 2008. (B) OIE announced that Iran reported 1 new outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza in 1 village of Mazandaran Province on December 10, 2007. This is the only outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza reported in Iran in 2007. To prevent infection, avoid contact with birds and their excreta, and poultry meat and eggs must be fully cooked before serving.
(3) Measles in Japan: The National Institute of Infectious Diseases announced on January 11, 2008 that during week 51in 2007 (December 17-December 23, 2007), a total of 46 measles cases in children were reported in Japan, which was the second consecutive week during which the number of measles cases increased. A cumulative total of 3,105 measles cases in children were reported in 2007. Most cases (1,235 cases, 39.8%) are aged between 0 to 4 years. On the other hand, a total of 9 adult measles cases were reported in Japan during week 51, and a cumulative total of 959 adult measles cases were reported in 2007. 90% of the adult cases are aged below 34 years. A total of 459 specimens were collected in 2007, and a D5 measles virus was detected in 302 specimens. To prevent infection, avoid going to crowded places.
2. European Region:
(1) Avian influenza in animals in England: OIE announced that England reported 1 new outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza at Abbotsbury Swannery, near Chesil Beach, Dorset County, England on December 27, 2007. A total of 4 outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza and 2 outbreaks of lowly pathogenic avian influenza were reported in England in 2007. To prevent infection, avoid contact with birds and their excreta, and poultry meat and eggs must be fully cooked before serving.
(2) Chikungunya in Italy: ECDC announced on January 17, 2008 that in the summer of 2007, an outbreak of chikungunya fever affected the Italian provinces of Ravenna, Cesena-Forli and Rimini. As of December 16, 2007, health authorities identified 214 laboratory-confirmed cases. Their onset dates range between July 15, 2007 and September 28, 2007. Most cases (161) occurred in the two neighboring villages of Castiglione di Cervia and Castiglione di Ravenna. However, limited local transmission also took place in the cities of Ravenna, Cesena, Cervia, and Rimini. To prevent infection, people should take measures to prevent mosquito bites.
3. Africa Region:
Avian influenza in Egypt: OIE announced that Egypt reported 79 new outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza between December 2, 2007 and January 14, 2008. A total of 38 outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza were reported in Egypt in 2007, and 41 outbreaks have been reported in 2008. To prevent infection, avoid contact with birds and their excreta, and poultry meat and eggs must be fully cooked before serving.