After checking with the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the Command Center confirmed that a new H7N9 avian influenza case (in Fujian Province) and a death case (in Jiangxi Province) occurred between 8 a.m. yesterday and 8 a.m. today (May 5). As of now, the cumulative number of confirmed cases in mainland China are 128 (33 in Shanghai City, 27 in Jiangsu Province, 46 in Zhejiang Province, 4 in Anhui Province, 4 in Henan Province, 1 in Beijing City, 2 in Shandong Province, 5 in Jiangxi Province, 4 in Fujian Province and 2 in Hunan Province). Of these, there were 27 death cases (13 in Shanghai City, 6 in Jiangsu Province, 6 in Zhejiang Province, 1 in Anhui Province and 1 in Jiangxi Province). Currently, areas affected by H7N9 avian influenza in the mainland China include Shanghai City, Jiangsu Province, Zhejiang Province, Anhui Province, Henan Province, Beijing City, Shandong Province, Jiangxi Province, Fujian Province and Hunan Province. 

Between 8 a.m. yesterday and 8 a.m. today, a total of 10 suspected cases had been reported in Taiwan. All of these cases were reported by medical institutions; 1 is under examination and the possibility of H7N9 infection in the remaining cases has been ruled out (2 were tested positive for H1N1 virus and the rest showed negative result). 

Today is the Hand Hygiene Day launched by the World Health Organization (WHO), which emphasize=+0s the idea of “Save Lives: Clean Your Hands.” The Center for Disease Control (CDC) would especially like to remind the public that washing hands frequently can prevent respiratory and gastrointestinal related diseases such as influenza and entrovirus. Thus, in addition to medical personnel, who should pay special attention to hand hygiene, the public should remember the five key moments for hand washing, including: before eating, before playing with babies, after blowing nose, after using toilet, as well as before and after hospital visit. They should also practice the five steps for hand washing properly: wet, rub, rinse, clean and wipe, so as to protect the health of themselves and others. The CDC will continue to respond to global activities of the WHO, and to work jointly with the medical professionals and the public to promote hand hygiene, in order to enhance patient safety and the health of all Taiwan nationals. 

The Command Center would like to appeal again: Taiwan nationals who are visiting areas affected by H7N9 avian influenza in the mainland China should keep hygienic habits such as washing hands frequently and wearing a mask, refrain from contacting and feeding birds and poultry, avoid visiting traditional live poultry markets and consume only thoroughly cooked poultry and eggs. Travelers returning from a H7N9 affected area in the mainland China should wear a mask and consult a doctor immediately when symptoms such as fever and cough appear, and inform the doctor of their travel history. For the latest updates on the epidemic situation and information about travel-related infectious diseases, please visit the “H7N9 Flu” and “International Travel Info” pages of the CDC website (http://www.cdc.gov.tw). Alternatively, please call the toll-free reporting and care hotline 1922 for enquiry. If calling from a phone that cannot dial short code telephone numbers, please dial the disease prevention hotline 0800-001922.