Epidemiological Analysis of Imported Infectious Disease Cases at the Quarantine Station at Taichung International Airport, 2013–2022

DOI: 10.6524/EB.202505_41(9).0001

Tsung-Lin Tsai^1*, Pei-Jiuan Chao¹, Shun-Wen Tsai¹, Ching-Fen Ko^1.2, Jhy-Wen Wu¹, Min-Tsung Lin¹

2025 Vol.41 NO.9

Correspondence Author： Tsung-Lin Tsai

Abstract：

Taichung International Airport is the only international airport in central Taiwan. It has been providing convenient access for general and business travelers in central Taiwan since the international terminal officially opened in April 2013. The Central Regional Center of the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control established a quarantine station at the airport, using stationary infrared thermal scanners to conduct fever screening for incoming travelers, in accordance with the Communicable Disease Control Act and Regulations Governing Quarantine at Ports. There were 5,139,507 travelers who entered Taiwan via Taichung International Airport from 2013 to 2022. Among them, 6,470 (0.13%) were symptomatic; 5,478 (84.7%) were residents from or visitors to central Taiwan. Following quarantine specimen collection and testing, 50 cases of infectious diseases were identified. Of these, 33 (66%) were Taiwanese, and 24 (48%) were aged 20 to 39 years. The common purposes for Taiwanese travelers going abroad or foreigners visiting Taiwan were visiting family (44%), followed by business (36%). The diseases identified included dengue fever (38 cases), COVID-19 (6 cases), norovirus infection (3 cases), Chikungunya fever (1 case), Zika virus infection (1 case), and shigellosis (1 case). Vietnam was the primary source country for imported infectious diseases and a key destination for Taichung International Airport's Southeast Asian flights. During the COVID-19 pandemic, 650 deep throat saliva samples were collected, but only one COVID-19 case was detected. After the easing of border quarantine measures, 13 symptomatic cases were tested upon entry, and 5 COVID-19 cases were detected. We reviewed quarantine results at Taichung International Airport from 2013 to 2022 and provided insights into the situation of imported cases. This article can serve as a reference for border quarantine policies and improve border epidemic prevention measures in the future.