The Impacts on Acute Communicable Diseases after the Implementation of Mini-Three-Links at Kinmen, 2001–2015

DOI: 10.6525/TEB.20170627.33(12).002

Ho-Shun Wang, Jiun-Shian Kuo^＊, Pei­Chun Li, Jer-Jea Yen

2017 Vol.33 NO.12

Correspondence Author： Jiun-Shian Kuo^＊

Abstract：

Since the implementation of "Mini-Three-Links" in Kinmen 15 years ago, the number of inbound passengers has increased speedily from about 10,000 to 870,000 per year. In terms of the number of inbound passengers, Port of Kinmen has become the largest seaport and the fourth largest port of entry in Taiwan. During this period, several communicable disease outbreaks, including H5N1 and H7N9, occurred in some coastal cities near Taiwan, such as Xiamen City and Quanzhou City. The epidemics brought intense pressure to the local health department. Because of the cooperation between the central and local government, no severe outbreak occurred in Kinmen. Besides, the risk of acute communicable diseases did not increase according to the surveillance data.

The number and type of passengers who arrive at Taiwan via Kinmen is changing, and the task of the local communicable disease control becomes more complex and difficult. We suggest to continue the vector surveillance in portal area, and to allocate sufficient quarantine staff for epidemic prevention in Kinmen. In addition, the staff shall have backgrounds in medicine, nursing or public health, and reduce the risks of communicable diseases importation and to raise their own awareness of disease prevention and control through professional training.