Taiwan has ramped up border control measures and disease prevention readiness in light of human infections and deaths from the H7N9 strain of bird flu in mainland China.
“We are closely monitoring the situation and will initiate a nationwide influenza pandemic alert if necessary,” ROC Department of Health minister Chiu Wen-ta said April 2.
Chiu’s remarks follow seven confirmed cases of H7N9 bird flu in the mainland Chinese provinces of Anhui and Jiangsu, as well as Shanghai City. Two of the infected have died with the others in critical condition.
The minister said the DOH is scheduled to meet with bird flu experts April 3 and will call an intergovernmental agency meeting on disease control and prevention procedures should the situation worsen.
Chang Feng-yee, director-general of the DOH Centers for Disease Control, said despite no report of human-to-human transmission, the CDC imposed March 31 heightened border inspection measures for arrivals from mainland China, requested local hospitals report suspicious flu and pneumonia cases, strengthened medical facility infection prevention procedures, and expanded the availability of government-paid anti-flu virus agents.
The DOH also has in place a system for managing widespread mutated influenza outbreaks based on its experiences fighting severe acute respiratory syndrome, according to Chang.
Implemented in 2004, the system’s three strategies are early detection, pandemic prevention, and lifting reserves of anti-flu virus agents and flu vaccines. In addition, the CDC has set up five defensive lines: overseas identification, border controls, community infection prevention, medical reporting and treatment, and personal-household protective measures.
“Those visiting mainland China should avoid contact with birds, consume only well-cooked poultry and eggs, and pay attention to personal hygiene,” Chang said. “Any traveler exhibiting flu-like symptoms after a sojourn in mainland China should immediately inform airlines and customs personnel, or seek medical treatment immediately.”
Separately, Chan Chi-shean, chairman of Adimmune Corp. and former DOH minister, said the same day that the local pharmaceutical firm could produce up to 10 million doses of H7N9 bird flu vaccine in two months if required.
“Although H7N9 is a new strain of bird flu, it is similar in structure to the more commonly occurring H1N1 virus,” Chan said. “We believe it can be effectively combated with a modified H1NI vaccine.” (RC-JSM)
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