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 9th 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 Vietnam and China: WHO announced on February 26, 2008 that (A) The Ministry of Health of Vietnam has confirmed one new case of human infection of H5N1 avian influenza. The case is a 23-year-old female from Cam Khe district, Phu Tho Province who developed symptoms on February 14, was hospitalized on February 19, and died on February 25. The case had contact with sick and dead poultry prior to her illness onset. (B) The Ministry of Health in China has confirmed one new case of human infection of H5N1 avian influenza. The case is a 44-year-old female from Haifeng County, Shanwei City, Guangdong Province. She developed symptoms on February 16, was hospitalized on February 22, and died on February 25. The case had contact with sick and dead poultry prior to her illness onset. 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 Turkey, Pakistan, China and Vietnam: OIE announced that (A) Turkey reported 1 new outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza in Sinop Province on February 11, 2008. So far, a total of 6 outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza have been reported in Turkey in 2008. (B) Pakistan reported 1 new outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza in Sindh Province on February 21, 2008. So far, a total of 5 outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza have been reported in Pakistan in 2008. (C) China reported 1 new outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza in Fenygyi Town, Zunyi, Guizhou Province on February 17, 2008. So far, a total of 3 outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza have been reported in China in 2008. (D) Vietnam reported 7 new outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza between February 9, and February 18, 2008. So far, a total of 13 outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza have been reported in Vietnam in 2008. A total of 131 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.
(3) Measles in Japan: The National Institute of Infectious Diseases announced that during week 7 (February 11-February 17, 2008), a total of 435 measles cases were reported in Japan. The majority of the cases, 174 cases, were reported in Kanagawa-ken County. On the other hand, 27 cases were reported in Kumamoto-ken County, reflecting a sharp increase over last week (6 cases). A cumulative total of 2,119 measles cases were reported between weeks 1 and 7 in 2008. Of those cases, 515 cases (24.3%) are aged between 15 to 19 years, 97.8% are aged below 39 years, and 1,084 cases (51.2%) were unvaccinated. To prevent infection, avoid going to crowded places.
2. Europe:
Measles in Switzerland and Denmark: ECDC announced on February 21 and 28, 2008 that (A) From November 2006 through February 13, 2008, 1,405 measles cases were reported in Switzerland (1,106 cases in 2007), and about 693 cases (49%) have been confirmed. The genotype of the measles virus detected from 56 patients was D5. B3 virus was isolated from two cases who had recently been abroad (Italy and Ethiopia). One genotype A-related vaccine virus was found in a post-partum woman. 53% of those cases are aged 15 or older in 2008, and 85% were unvaccinated. (B) Five cases of measles were reported in Denmark between mid-January and early February, 2008. All cases were laboratory-confirmed and the genotype of the measles virus detected was D4. All cases reside in the greater Copenhagen area, three cases were unvaccinated. To prevent infection, avoid going to crowded places.
3. Africa:
Avian influenza in Egypt: WHO announced on February 28, 2008 that the Ministry of Health of Egypt has confirmed the first case of human infection of H5N1 avian influenza this year. The case is a 4-year-old girl from EL-Edwa district, Menea Province who developed symptoms on February 21, and was hospitalized on February 24. Currently, she is receiving treatment and is in a stable condition. Investigations into the source of her infection indicate exposure to sick poultry in the week prior to her onset of symptoms. Of the 20 cases confirmed to date around the world, 17 have been fatal. To prevent infection, avoid contact with birds and their excreta, and poultry meat and eggs must be fully cooked before serving.