In response to the outbreak of Ebola hemorrhagic fever in West Africa, Deputy Minister of Health and Welfare, Lin Tzou-Yien, hosted a MOHW meeting on August 1, inviting all regional heads in the Communicable Disease Prevention Network to review various responsive practices, preparatory measures and the international epidemic situation. The participants concluded that the risk of an outbreak in Taiwan is currently “very low”. All appropriate responses have been completed, so citizens need not panic so long as the epidemic is taken seriously. Relevant groups should take vigorous actions to implement responsive and preparatory measures and monitor the situation closely. 

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) revealed that all regional heads have reviewed Taiwan’s preparation, activation and prevention practices for Ebola hemorrhagic fever in detail during the meeting and believe they are comprehensive and sound. Moreover, it was suggested that risk communication to avoid panic, hospitals’ treatment capacities, laboratories’ testing capacities, monitoring of citizens returning from the affected area and reporting of cases should be continually reinforced. The CDC will keep working on these preventive and controlling preparatory tasks. 

The CDC reminded citizens who intend to go to the epidemic area in West Africa to stay highly vigilant. Particular caution should be taken regarding personal hygiene and cleanliness. Contact with ailing or dead animals should be avoided, especially apes and monkeys, and wild animals should not be eaten, especially ape and monkey meat. Travelers should carefully monitor their health for 21 days after returning to Taiwan. If symptoms such as fever, vomiting, diarrhea, skin rashes or other symptoms appear, consult a doctor as soon as possible and take the initiative to inform him or her of your travel and contact history. Doctors are also urged to report and treat any suspected cases of Ebola hemorrhagic fever in isolation within 24 hours. Health surveillance should also be conducted on healthcare personnel to check for relevant symptoms for 21 days after contact. For information relating to the disease, please visit the CDC website (http://www.cdc.gov.tw), or call the domestic toll-free prevention hotline 1922 (or 0800-001922).