Quarantine Response to Novel Influenza A (H1N1) at Kaohsiung International Airport

Ming-Tzu Hsu, Jo-Hsuan Peng, Chiou-Yueh You, Jung-Chung Huang, Chiou-Ling Fu, Min-Nan Hung, Chao-Ching Chang, Li-Jen Lin

2011 Vol.27 NO.1

Correspondence Author: Ming-Tzu Hsu

Abstract:

The outbreak of novel influenza A (H1N1) began on April 25, 2009; the globe had been in a tense atmosphere due to fear of another influenza pandemic. During that time, in order to acquire more time and space for getting prepared for disease control, the high-level containment strategy of border quarantine was adopted in Taiwan.
To effectively control the importation of cases of novel influenza A (H1N1), Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (Taiwan CDC) has put a lot of efforts and resources in all international ports of Taiwan. The quarantine measures implemented differ in detail due to varying software and hardware capacities of the ports. This article describes the quarantine response of Fifth Branch of Taiwan CDC at Kaohsiung International Airport during the pandemic, including the strengthening of quarantine procedures, the implementation of personnel protective measures, health education and advocacy, external communication and internal operation adjustments. We also analyze the results of medical evacuation of the passengers. Based on those experiences, we have learned several lessons, including how to reinforce the consistency of internal information to make our colleagues easy to follow; how to establish good relationships with all units in the airports for the administration of the response plan; and an independent space should be set up for those who will be medically evacuated to ensure the privacy of the passengers and reduce fear of other persons. Furthermore, in order to prepare for the next outbreaks, we should plan the deploy and preservation of the quarantine manpower at the earliest time possible.