The Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) announced a newly confirmed imported case of influenza A (H1N1) in Taiwan, which is the 14th confirmed case in Taiwan.The fourteenth case is an 8-year-old, Taiwan-born boy who went Texas, the United States for school last year.On May 29, 2009, the case returned to Taiwan from Texas through Los Angeles and arrived at Taoyuan International Airport at 06:10 on May 31, 2009.The case and his mother were drove home by his uncle-in-law.After returning home, the case had brief contact with his cousin, but had closer contact with his grandfather, grandmother, aunt and two other children of the relative.

According to the case, he developed light cough at Los Angeles International Airport.In the morning of June 1, 2009, he experienced fever and cough, and was rushed to the emergency room by his family.After being examined by the physician, he was listed as a person under investigation and specimen was collected from the case.In the evening of June 1, 2009, influenza A (H1N1) infection was confirmed in the case.Currently, the case is in fair health condition, but still experiences fever, cough and sore throat.

Since the case developed symptoms at Los Angeles International Airport, it is highly likely that the case became infected with influenza A (H1N1) in Texas.According to the epidemiological investigation, the case has worn a facemask throughout his flight back to Taiwan and on his way back home after landing.As a result, the risk of infecting the passengers sitting in the same row and in the 3 rows in front and behind the case, his uncle-in-law and cousin is fairly low.Hence, all the close contacts have been asked to conduct self-health management.If any of the close contacts develop influenza-like symptoms such as fever and cough during the next 2-7 days, please be sure to call 1922 or contact the local health unit first and refrain from seeking medical attention on his/her own.However, the case’s grandfather, grandmother, aunt and two other children of the relative are at a higher risk of infection.Therefore, they have all been given antiviral prophylaxis and requested to conduct self-health management.Further, the two children of the relative who spent time alone with the case in a room have also been asked to conduct home quarantine till June 7, 2009.

CECC has reported the case to the World Health Organization. CECC indicated that a total of 59 close contacts have been reached and none of the 8 family members and relatives has experienced any symptoms. On the other hand, 12 passengers who sat close to the case on the plane and entered Taiwan have also been traced for further investigation.In addition, CECC has notified contact points in other countries through the IHR Focal Point concerning 39 passengers who sat close to the case on the plane and transferred to other countries.