The Quarantine Measures in Response to Zika Virus Epidemic, Taiwan, 2016

DOI: 10.6525/TEB.201806_34(12).0001

Szu-Tsai Liao^＊, Yu-Hui Tsai, Li-Li Ho, Yi-Chun Wu

2018 Vol.34 NO.12

Correspondence Author： Szu-Tsai Liao^＊

Abstract：

The Zika virus epidemic spreaded to South America and Asia in 2016. Taiwan detected the first imported Zika virus case at the fever screening station in Taoyuan International Airport on January 10, 2016. The Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (TCDC) promptly carried out response measures to prevent the epidemic from spreading across the country. Since the establishment of the National Health Command Center, hygiene education in the target groups was also strengthened through various channels. To enhance border quarantine measures, hygiene at port areas, aircraft and vessels, the TCDC carried out timely review and optimization by referring to measures taken by European countries, neighboring Asian countries, the European Union, and the World Health Organization. In 2016, fever screening stations at the Taiwan point of entry (PoE) detected 25,286 inbound travelers with fever. After evaluation, 3,735 travelers were tested, out of which 5 were confirmed to be infected with the Zika virus (accounting for 38% of total 13 imported Zika virus cases), and it was further discovered that 1 contact had also contracted the virus. Through effective quarantine and prevention measures, the virus did not spread throughout the community. The quarantine experience gained can be used as the basis for assessing the target group, and as reference for establishing and optimizing quarantine policies when faced with emerging infectious disease in the future.