As the number of human H7N9 infections reported in China continues to increase, the Department of Health (DOH) convened an expert meeting on April 3, 2013.  In view of the fact that these cases are the first known human H7N9 infections, the number of cases reported has been on the rise, and exchanges between China and Taiwan are very frequent, the experts participating in the expert meeting agreed to list “H7N9 influenza” as Category V Notifiable Infectious Disease and activate the Central Epidemic Command Center for H7N9 influenza to closely monitor the situation

DOH pointed out that the ongoing human H7N9 infections in China have gained public attention.  Therefore, to ensure effective risk communication and respond to the situation appropriately and timely, “H7N9 influenza” has been listed as Category V Notifiable Infectious Disease and the Central Epidemic Command Center for H7N9 influenza has been established.  

In light of the human H7N9 infections in China, the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (Taiwan CDC) has reinforced quarantine activities at airports and seaports and strengthened fever screening of travelers arriving from China, especially Jiangsu, Anhui, Shanghai and Nanjing. Further, Taiwan CDC has also notified the healthcare sector to stay vigilant against H7N9 influenza, report patients that met the case definition of H7N9 influenza and any severe pneumonia of unknown origin, clusters of pneumonia, pneumonia of unknown origin among healthcare professionals to the health authority, and reinforce nosocomial infection control.  In addition, to ensure sufficient supply of the medication, the period for the use of government-funded antivirals has been extended to the end of April, 2013.     

Taiwan CDC will continue to collect relevant epidemic intelligence, closely monitor the development of the situation, and adjust response measures accordingly.  For more information, please call the toll-free Communicable Disease Reporting and Care Hotline, 1922, or 0800-001922 if calling from a cell phone, or visit the Taiwan CDC’s website at http://www.cdc.gov.tw.