APRIL 30 SWINE FLU UPDATE FOR TAIWAN

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 TAIPEI 000515 SENSITIVE SIPDIS STATE PASS OES/IHA, HHS FOR MARK ABDOO, BANGKOK FOR CDC BAGGETT E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: AEMR AMGT ASEC CASC KFLU KFLO TBIO TW CH SUBJECT: APRIL 30 SWINE FLU UPDATE FOR TAIWAN REF: TAIPEI 506 ¶1. (SBU) SUMMARY. As of midday local time April 30, no cases of the H1N1 virus have been detected in Taiwan. Taiwan health officials believe they are well-prepared to meet the latest challenges posed by the H1N1 virus. Airports have beefed up thermal screening of incoming passengers, and the authorities have set up command centers at 25 sites to monitor any outbreaks of the flu. In the last week, the Taiwan authorities have gradually ratcheted up their public health preparations in response to the virus. Suspected cases of H1N1 have so far tested negative for the virus. The Foreign Ministry has effectively banned organized tour groups from traveling to Mexico. Health authorities are quickly taking stock of anti-viral vaccines, masks and hospitals that might be turned into treatment centers in the event of an outbreak. The Taiwan Center for Disease Control (TCDC) has requested a sample H1N1 virus from US CDC. END SUMMARY. TAIWAN PREPARES TO DEAL WITH H1N1 VIRUS -------------- ¶2. (SBU) After the WHO issued a pandemic alert on the H1N1 virus, Taiwan authorities took immediate action to counter the spread of the virus. On April 27, Minister of Health Yeh Ching-chuan announced that the H1N1 virus has been designated as a category A infectious disease, meaning that all cases must be reported within 24 hours, and that H1N1 cases must be quarantined and treated. Yeh took over the command and control of the anti-virus effort by setting up 24-hour monitoring at the Center for Disease Control Command Center. On April 28, Yeh strengthened airport monitoring by securing the cooperation of incoming air carriers to allow CDC personnel to board incoming flights from countries where the H1N1 virus has been confirmed. Once aboard the planes, CDC staff check passengers with fevers before allowing them to deplane. Anyone with a fever will be questioned, and if traveling from a place where the H1N1 virus has been found, will be referred for medical testing. Health authorities report that Taiwan's three pharmaceutical companies are capable of producing 500,000 doses of Tamiflu on a priority basis. ATTENDING IHR TECHNICAL AND EXPERT MEETINGS -------------- ¶3. (SBU) TCDC Deputy Director Shih Wen-yi told us Taiwan's new WHA observer status has limited bearing on its ability to combat the H1N1 virus. He said Taiwan relies heavily on International Health Regulations (IHR) updates, and highlights the importance of Taiwan's participation in IHR-sponsored technical and expert meetings to get a better understanding of the virus and strategies to combat its spread. Shih said Taiwan still gets late notice of IHR meetings, leaving it little room for participation. Shih said the Taiwan-administered islands of Kinmen and Matsu, which have transportation "minilinks" with the PRC, have already taken steps to check incoming passengers from the Mainland. According to Shih, TCDC has thus far not contacted its PRC counterparts regarding H1N1 virus issues. TCDC SEEKS H1N1 VIRUS SAMPLE -------------- ¶4. (SBU) On Aril 28, TCDC asked for AIT help in procuring a sample of the H1N1 virus to enable Taiwan prepare vaccine production locally. In response, AIT has put TCDC in contact with Bangkok's U.S. CDC office. TCDC has also contacted CDC Atlanta and requested a virus sample. On antivirus supplies, TCDC told us they have 3 million N95 masks, 11 million surgical masks, 1.54 million sets of protective clothing, 1.59 million doses of Tamiflu, and 0.69 million doses of Relenza. SWINE FLU SUSPECTS TEST NEGATIVE -------------- ¶5. (SBU) To date, all 13 of Taiwan's suspected cases of flu virus have tested negative for H1N1. On April 27, a suspected case of swine flu of an individual who had traveled to Mexico was detected with a fever and underwent tests at a TAIPEI 00000515 002 OF 002 designated hospital, but tested negative for the H1N1 virus. On April 29, three passengers from a flight originating in San Francisco showed fever signs, but tested negative to the H1N1 virus. Airline onboard quarantine fever checks started on April 29, and are slated to continue as long as the H1N1 virus continues to be a threat. From April 28 to 30, about 15,000 arriving passengers have been monitored from a total of roughly 50 flights. On April 30, nine incoming passengers were found with fevers, but all have tested negative for H1N1. TCDC told us that it takes six hours to complete the testing. Those who test positive for the virus will be quarantined in a designated hospital. TRAVEL ALERTS -------------- ¶6. (SBU) Taiwan travel agency-organized tours to Mexico have been officially banned, and violators will be subject to fines. Travel alerts have been issued for Mexico, Texas, and California. Organized travel tours and individual trips are still permitted to Texas and California, but the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has recommended against unnecessary trips to Mexico by individuals. YOUNG