After checking with the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) confirmed that a total of three new H7N9 avian influenza cases had occurred (in Jiangxi Province) between 8 a.m. yesterday and 8 a.m. today (April 28), excluding Hunan Province’s first confirmed case, which was reported yesterday evening (April 27). As of now, the cumulative number of confirmed cases in mainland China is 122 (33 in Shanghai City, 27 in Jiangsu Province, 45 in Zhejiang Province, 4 in Anhui Province, 4 in Henan Province, 1 in Beijing City, 1 in Shandong Province, 5 in Jiangxi Province, 1 in Fujian Province and 1 in Hunan Province). Of these, there were 23 deaths (12 in Shanghai City, 4 in Jiangsu Province, 6 in Zhejiang Province and 1 in Anhui 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 (April 27) and 8 a.m. today (April 28), a total of 29 suspected cases had been reported in Taiwan. All of these 29 cases were reported by medical institutions. Of these, 6 are under examination and the possibility of H7N9 infection in the remaining cases has been ruled out (3 were tested positive for H1N1 virus, 2 were tested positive for H3N2 virus and the rest were tested negative for influenza viruses). As for the 3 pending cases reported in yesterday’s news release, the possibility of H7N9 infection has been ruled out (tested negative for the virus). 

To cope with the epidemic situation of H7N9 avian influenza, the CECC has decided to expand eligibility for use of government-funded antiviral drugs for influenza; the period for use will be extended until the CECC for H7N9 avian influenza is deactivated. In addition, the public is reminded that government-funded antiviral drugs for influenza are prescription medicines that are not sold over-the-counter without a prescription from the doctor. Citizens who are visiting areas affected by H7N9 avian influenza in mainland China are urged to keep such hygiene habits as washing hands frequently and wearing a mask when coughing. When necessary, they can consult doctors at outpatient travel clinics before travelling abroad. 

The CECC once again urges members of the public who are visiting areas affected by H7N9 avian influenza in mainland China to keep such hygiene habits as washing hands frequently and wearing a mask, not to touch and feed poultry and birds at random, to avoid visiting traditional live poultry markets and to consume only thoroughly cooked poultry and eggs. If symptoms such as fever and cough develop after returning to Taiwan, please immediately put on a mask and seek medical advice, as well as inform the physician of recent travel history. For the latest updates on epidemic situation or information related to travel and communicable 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 08