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 11th 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 Pakistan and Vietnam: OIE announced that (A) Pakistan reported 1 new outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza in North-West Frontier Province on March 3, 2008. So far, a total of 6 outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza have been reported in Pakistan in 2008. (B) Vietnam reported 6 wild cats with H5N1 avian influenza infection, and 13 new outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza between February 18 and March 6, 2008. So far, a total of 27 outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza have been reported in Vietnam in 2008. A total of 151 outbreaks of avian influenza have been reported in 13 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) Influenza in Hong Kong: On March 11, 2008, HK Centre for Health Protection announced 27 influenza-like illness outbreaks affecting schools, institutes and hospitals and involving a total of 197 people. On March 12, 2008, 3 more influenza-like illness outbreaks occurred in elementary schools and 20 suspected outbreaks involving a total of 184 cases were reported. Influenza activity continued to increase in Hong Kong. The attendance at emergency room was increased by 6-10%, and the hospital admission rates to internal medicine and pediatrics wards were respectively increased by 16% and 60-70% as compared to the same period last year. The Bureau of Food and Hygiene has estimated the peak season of ILI will continue for another several weeks. The Ministry of Education announced that schools would be closed from March 13 to March 28, 2008 for the Easter Holiday. To prevent infection, avoid going to crowded places.
(3) Influenza in China: The Beijing Department of Health announced on March 13, 2008 that a cumulative total of 3,115 influenza-like illness cases were reported in Beijing from March 3 to March 9, 2008, reflecting an increase over last week and the same period last year (0.02% and 0.73%) but the number is lower than the average case number for the past 4 years. Guangdong Department of Health announced on March 13, 2008 that a total of 5 influenza-like illness outbreaks (over 15 cases in one week) were reported in Guangdong as of March 12, 2008, reflecting an increase over the same period last year. According to the sentinel surveillance data, the level of influenza activity is lower as compared to that during the same period in the past years. To prevent infection, avoid going to crowded places.
(4) Typhoid fever in the Philippines: The Bureau of Information Office of the Philippines announced on March 12, 2008 that typhoid fever outbreak alert had been issued in the sixth area. In addition, an increased number of cases had been reported in IIoilo city this year. As of March 8, 2008, a total of 217 suspected cases and 1 confirmed death had been reported in the sixth area. Most of the cases are from the City Proper area. To prevent infection, please pay attention to food hygiene.
2. America:
Avian influenza in animals in Dominican Republic: OIE announced that the Dominican Republic reported 5 new outbreaks of lowly pathogenic avian influenza between January 16 and February 4, 2008. So far, a total of 8 outbreaks of lowly pathogenic avian influenza have been reported in Dominican Republic in 2008. To prevent infection, avoid contact with birds and their excreta, and poultry meat and eggs must be fully cooked before serving.
3. Africa:
Avian influenza in Egypt: WHO announced on March 11, 2008 that the Ministry of Health of Egypt has confirmed a new human case of avian influenza virus infection. The case is an 8-year-old male from Etsa District, Fayum Governorate. He was hospitalized with symptoms on March 3. Currently, he is receiving treatment and is in a stable condition. Investigations into the source of his infection indicated a history of contact with sick and dead poultry. Of the 47 cases confirmed to date in Egypt, 20 have been fatal. Of the 23 cases confirmed to date around the world, 18 have been fatal. To prevent infection, avoid contact with birds and their excreta, and poultry meat and eggs must be fully cooked before serving.