Quarantine Implementation for Symptomatic Travelers from China, Hong Kong and Macau at Taichung International Airport November 2023–February 2024

DOI: 10.6524/EB.202604_42(7).0001

Tsung-Lin Tsai^1*, Kung-Ching Wang¹, Min-Tsung Lin¹, Shun-Wen Tsai¹, Ching-Fen Ko^1.2, Jhy-Wen Wu¹

2026 Vol.42 NO.7

Correspondence Author： Tsung-Lin Tsai^1*

Abstract：

        In October 2023, respiratory cases among children in northern China increased significantly due to the lifting of lockdowns, activity restrictions, and "dynamic zero-COVID" policies, as well as seasonal patterns in infectious diseases. In November, the World Health Organization detected clusters of pneumonia cases of unknown origin in children's hospitals across China. In response, the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control initiated sentinel surveillance by monitoring symptomatic travelers from China, Hong Kong, and Macau at four international airports.
        A total of 120 eligible incoming travelers were screened at Taichung International Airport from November 26, 2023, to February 16, 2024. Fifteen were tested at contracted hospitals, and ten tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, influenza virus, or Mycoplasma pneumoniae.
        This trend aligned with the "immunity debt" theory, which suggested that COVID-19 prevention measures reduced exposure to common pathogens, leading to a rebound of infectious diseases once restrictions were eased. 
        We recommend that travelers receive influenza and COVID-19 vaccinations before traveling abroad, wear masks in areas with a high transmission rate, and practice good hand hygiene. In addition, travelers should promptly seek medical attention if symptoms develop and inform healthcare providers of recent travel history to facilitate early diagnosis and effective infection control.