Department of Information and Tourism, Taipei City Government

The Taiwan Center for Disease Control (CDC/Taiwan) confirmed one incident of severe seasonal influenza group infection today. The patients are two 11 and 14-year-old boys who are brothers living in eastern Taiwan. They showed symptoms of fever, coughing and muscle pains on April 16 and April 30, respectively due to the type B influenza virus.

According to CDC/Taiwans monitor statistics, the number of patients requiring emergency medical attention due to flu-like symptoms are showing an upward trend. The positive rate for community flu transmission has also been rising during the past 3 weeks. 90% of the samples obtained in this time period are B type. Furthermore, there have been 10 cases of group infections since the month of April (8 cases of B, and 2 cases of H1N1). Most cases occurred in schools. Based on the statistics, it is believed that the H1N1 epidemic is still going to a low extent, and the most prevalent type at the moment is B.

Due to the sudden drop in temperature recently, respiratory infections are very common. Since new H1N1 cases are still appearing, the public should stay alert. If symptoms such as fever, coughing, sore throat and muscle pain appear, please seek medical attention immediately, avoid going out to public places, wash your hands frequently with soap, and cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.

Flu season is about to begin in the southern hemisphere. If you are traveling to countries in Australia or South America, you may receive a H1N1 vaccine at DOH affiliated medical institutions before your departure, while protecting yourself against the flu during travel. If you would like to learn more about the current state of the epidemic and how to protect yourself against it, please consult CDC/Taiwans website (http://www.cdc.gov.tw) or call the reporting and enquiry hotline by dialing 1922.

Source:Department of Health,TAIWAN,ROC