After another epidemic of H7N9 broke out in China, the first imported H7N9 case was reported in Taiwan on February 4. The first case of the highly pathogenic H5N6 was also found in a goose in Yuli, Hualien. Today (February 8), to show its determination in fighting influenza, Minister of the Ministry of Health and Welfare Mr. Chen Shih-chung led the epidemic prevention team in a public announcement of their general policy, “better safe than sorry.” That is to say, to be on the safe side, they might overestimate the threat posed by the epidemic and take a strict stance when implementing preventive measures. The Minister urged the public to fully cooperate with the government in this epidemic prevention effort.

To protect the country from this wave of Novel Influenza A Virus Infections, the Centers for Disease Control invites experts and scholars to convene at “the Joint Conference of the Epidemic Disease Prevention and Control Division and the Immunization Division of the Ministry of Health and Welfare,” in order to review the preventive measures adopted by the government thus far. Experts advised the government to continue their efforts in “cross-departmental and cross-regional collaboration,” “border inspection and quarantine,” “reinforcement of disease inspection and prevention,” “public health education,” and so on:

●      Reinforce the communication and collaboration between departments, in order for both human and poultry cases to be reported at the earliest possible time.

Supervise local governments’ proper inspection of the health conditions of both poultry farmers and disease prevention workers.

Strictly prohibit the slaughter of any live poultry in markets.

●      Reinforce border control and inspection. Stay alert for any update regarding the newest development of the Novel Influenza A Virus Infections within and without Taiwan.

●      Continually organize training sessions for disease prevention and medical personnel to reinforce their knowledge about Novel Influenza A Virus Infections and the necessary preventive measures in response.

●      Utilize various venues to educate the public, especially the poultry farmers, about influenza. Provide instant public updates on any news concerning influenza, a well-rounded rapport system for travelers, and the free, 24-7 disease prevention hotline 1922.