April 13, 2013
No. 23
The Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) stated today (April 13th, 2013) that Beijing has confirmed its first case of H7N9 influenza this morning. The Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) again reminded the Taiwanese people, when visiting the Mainland, to avoid touching or feeding birds, ensure poultry meat and eggs are well-cooked, and take protective personal hygiene measures such as washing hands frequently and wearing face masks.
The MAC stated that, according to CECC, since the Mainland health authorities reported the first case of human infection on March 31st until April 13th, there have now been 44 confirmed cases of human H7N9 infection spread out across Shanghai, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Anhui and Beijing, out of which include 11 deaths. According to available epidemiological study results, speculations are that the birds are the likely source of infection, with no evidence of human to human transmission as of yet. Whereas in Taiwan, a total of 59 suspected H7N9 infections have been reported since April 3, yet possibility of H7N9 influenza has been ruled out in all cases.
The MAC again reminded Taiwanese people visiting the Jiangsu, Anhui, Shanghai, or Zhejiang areas of the Mainland and also Mainlanders arriving from these areas to strengthen self-care. The MAC will continue to closely monitor the Mainland H7N9 influenza development in conjunction with the CECC, while at the same time assist related competent authorities in duly adopting necessary disease control measures.