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 36th 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 birds in Russia: OIE announced that Russia reported on September 7 one new outbreak of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza in poultry, bringing this year’s total to 16 outbreaks. To prevent infection, avoid contact with birds and their excreta, and poultry meat and eggs must be fully cooked before serving.
(2) Dengue fever in Singapore: The Ministry of Health in Singapore announced on September 3 that 192 dengue fever (DF) cases and no dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) case were reported from August 26 to September 1, 2007. There have been a total of 6,173 DF cases and 145 DHF cases reported so far this year. To prevent infection, people should take measures to prevent mosquito bites.
(3) Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli infection in Japan: Japan's National Institute of Infectious Diseases announced on September 7 that 181 cases of enterohemorrhagic E. coli infection, including 178 indigenous cases and three imported cases, were reported from August 20 to August 26. To prevent infection, please pay attention to food hygiene.
(4) Epidemic hemorrhagic conjunctivitis in China: Cases of Epidemic hemorrhagic conjunctivitis have increased since July in Dongguan, Guangdong Province, and 613 cases were reported as of August 27. Of the 613 cases, 530 cases were reported in August and the number of cases is 30.18-fold higher than that during the same period last year（17 cases）. To prevent infection, please avoid sharing towels with others and touching/rubbing eyes with hands.
(5)Poliomyelitis in India: India reported 16 new cases in week 35 and a total of 185 cases this year. To prevent infection, children must be sure to have completed the vaccine series.
2. America:
West Nile virus in the United States and Canada: US CDC announced on September 4 that 906 cases of WNV infection, including twenty-six deaths, had been reported. The Public Health Agency of Canada reported on August 31 that 248 newly confirmed cases of WNV infection in week 34, and a total of 1,137 cases as of August 25. To avoid infection, please take measures to prevent mosquito bites.
3. Europe:
Shigellosis in Denmark: The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) announced on August 30 that an outbreak of shigellosis in Denmark in August 2007. 55 cases developed symptoms during August 6 through August 17. The probable infectious source was the raw baby corn imported from Thailand. To avoid infection, please pay attention to food hygiene.
4. Africa:
Poliomyelitis in Nigeria: Nigeria reported ten new cases in week 35 and a total of 175 cases this year. To prevent infection, children must be sure to have completed the vaccine series.