On May 5, 2010, the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (Taiwan CDC) confirmed a family cluster of complicated seasonal influenza infections. Two brother patients, 11 and 14 years of age, respectively developed fever, cough, and myalgia on April 16 and 30. Both patients were hospitalized with laboratory-confirmed influenza B infection and were fully recovered when discharged.

The surveillance data collected by Taiwan CDC indicated an increase in the consultation rate for influenza-like illness at the emergency departments, and an increase in the proportion of sentinel respiratory samples testing positive for influenza viruses. For the past 3 weeks, 90% of the sentinel respiratory samples testing positive influenza viruses were tested positive for influenza B viruses. Moreover, since April, 2010, 10 confirmed influenza outbreaks (8 influenza B outbreaks and 2 pandemic A/H1N1 outbreaks), which occurred mainly in schools, have been reported. Low level of influenza activity is still occurring in the community and influenza B virus was identified as the major circulating strain.

Due to recent temperature variations, people are more susceptible to respiratory tract infections. Taiwan CDC would like to remind the public to pay attention to personal health and hygiene. When a fever, cough, sore throat, or myalgia develops, one should seek medical attention immediately and rest at home as much as possible. The public is also advised to observe cough etiquette by covering one’s mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing to prevent the transmission of viruses.

As the southern hemisphere is about to enter its influenza season, travelers visiting Australia, New Zealand or South America are recommended to be vaccinated against pandemic A/H1N1 and are urged to comply with personal hygiene rules. For further information on global outbreaks and disease control measures, please visit the Taiwan CDC website at http://www.cdc.gov.tw and call the toll-free Communicable Disease Reporting and Consultation Hotline at 1922.