2009 swine flu pandemic in Taiwan

none 2009 swine flu pandemic in Taiwan began on May 20, 2009, when a non-citizen who had been living in Taiwan returned from the United States via Hong Kong.https://www.cdc.gov.tw/ct.asp?xItem=23663&ctNode=960&mp=5 First imported case of influenza A (H1N1) confirmed in Taiwan. 2017-10-29 https://web.archive.org/web/20120229132637/http://www.cdc.gov.tw/ct.asp?xItem=23663&ctNode=960&mp=5 2012-02-29 dead By the end of September, more than 90% of influenza A detected in the community were Influenza A (H1N1).Taiwan Influenza Express https://www.cdc.gov.tw/Uploads/archives/88d0c8dc-0e75-4aa0-9f5e-15cf9d65d81d.pdf cdc.gov.tw 14 July 2024 Initial response After WHO raised the influenza pandemic phase to phase 4 on April 28, 2009, Taiwan established the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC), and convened the first CECC meeting on the same day.Minister of Health convenes first meeting held by Central Epidemic Command Center, 5 decisions reached 首頁-衛生福利部疾病管制署 2009-04-28 https://www.cdc.gov.tw/En/Bulletin/Detail/1_TsntdhvqqdiEGv6qNjqQ?typeid=158 2024-07-14https://www.cdc.gov.tw/ct.asp?xItem=22889&ctNode=960&mp=5 WHO raises influenza pandemic alert level, Taiwan establishes Central Epidemic Command Center in response 2017-10-29 https://web.archive.org/web/20120229132652/http://www.cdc.gov.tw/ct.asp?xItem=22889&ctNode=960&mp=5 2012-02-29 dead Taiwan CDC also announced pandemic influenza A (H1N1) infection as category I notifiable disease which should be reported within 24 hours and all suspect patients should be hospitalized and isolated until the diagnosis was excluded.https://www.cdc.gov.tw/ct.asp?xItem=22955&ctNode=960&mp=5 Suspected influenza A (H1N1) case must be reported within 24 hours 2017-10-29 https://web.archive.org/web/20120229132859/http://www.cdc.gov.tw/ct.asp?xItem=22955&ctNode=960&mp=5 2012-02-29 dead Besides routine fever screening, which has been in place since the SARS period in 2003, multiple border quarantine measures began on April 29 to delay the importation of the virus, as a result of meeting. On-board quarantine was performed on all flights came directly from the Americas and passengers were encouraged to report voluntarily to quarantine officers if they had flu-like symptoms.https://www.cdc.gov.tw/ct.asp?xItem=22941&ctNode=960&mp=5 Taiwan CDC to implement onboard quarantine inspection of certain flights 2017-10-29 https://web.archive.org/web/20120229132907/http://www.cdc.gov.tw/ct.asp?xItem=22941&ctNode=960&mp=5 2012-02-29 dead Through enhanced screening and quarantine, the first imported case was found when a 52-year-old foreign resident of Taiwan returned from the United States via Hong Kong on May 20. The man had been in the United States from February 20 to May 18 and was symptomatic on his flight back to Taiwan. He was sent to designated hospital directly from the airport, isolated, treated with oseltamivir and recovered fully. All passengers seated within three rows of the ill passenger were contacted, given chemoprophylaxis and quarantined.https://www.cdc.gov.tw/ct.asp?xItem=23663&ctNode=960&mp=5 First imported case of influenza A (H1N1) confirmed in Taiwan; current pandemic alert level in Taiwan raised to phase 2 (yellow light) 2017-10-29 https://web.archive.org/web/20120229132637/http://www.cdc.gov.tw/ct.asp?xItem=23663&ctNode=960&mp=5 2012-02-29 dead Quarantine on board discontinued on May 20, after the first case was found. In the following week, 9 more imported cases were found by fever screening in the airport. On May 24, the first domestic case that became infected with influenza A (H1N1) through close contact with an imported case was diagnosed.https://www.cdc.gov.tw/ct.asp?xItem=23776&ctNode=960&mp=5 Three new cases of influenza A (H1N1), including one domestic case, confirmed in Taiwan; current pandemic alert level in Taiwan raised to phase 3 (yellow light) 2017-10-29 https://web.archive.org/web/20120229132916/http://www.cdc.gov.tw/ct.asp?xItem=23776&ctNode=960&mp=5 2012-02-29 dead Because of enhanced contact tracing and prophylactic treatment, local transmission of the virus was stopped and no other domestic cases were found. Details of the control measures and clinical characteristics of the first 61 imported cases of pandemic influenza A (H1N1) has been published in the following article in Taiwan Epidemiology Bulletin.http://teb.cdc.gov.tw/ct.asp?xItem=14097&ctNode=3842&mp=181 The Response to Novel Influenza A (H1N1) Epidemic in Taiwan and Analysis of the Initial 61 Confirmed Cases 2010-02-01 https://archive.today/20120730080910/http://teb.cdc.gov.tw/ct.asp?xItem=14097&ctNode=3842&mp=181 2012-07-30 dead First cluster Throughout the next few days, cases continued to be imported from abroad. On June 11, Taiwan Centers for Disease Control reported three cases imported from Thailand.https://www.cdc.gov.tw/ct.asp?xItem=24220&ctNode=960&mp=5 Four more imported cases of influenza A (H1N1) confirmed 2017-10-29 https://web.archive.org/web/20120229132709/http://www.cdc.gov.tw/ct.asp?xItem=24220&ctNode=960&mp=5 2012-02-29 dead Investigation found that some cases had been on a group tour in Thailand. More cases were found in these tour groups in the next few days.https://www.cdc.gov.tw/ct.asp?xItem=24258&ctNode=960&mp=5 Seven new imported cases of pandemic influenza A (H1N1) confirmed 2017-10-29 https://web.archive.org/web/20120229132718/http://www.cdc.gov.tw/ct.asp?xItem=24258&ctNode=960&mp=5 2012-02-29 dead Thailand confirmed that the virus was found in a discothèque.http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v5/newsworld.php?id=417405 21 Discotheque Staff In Pattaya Infected With H1N1 2010-01-29 2009-06-15 https://web.archive.org/web/20090615041436/http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v5/newsworld.php?id=417405 live http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/BKK408452.htm Thailand sees jump in H1N1 cases, many in Pattaya 2010-01-29 2009-06-14 https://web.archive.org/web/20090614180434/http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/BKK408452.htm live On 17 June 2009, it was known that a female diplomat working in Taiwan's Diplomatic Quarter had contracted the virus. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs was widely critiqued for trying to keep the outbreak hidden.議員痛批：使館特區爆新流感 外交部隱匿 http://news.ltn.com.tw/news/life/paper/312287 1 November 2017 The Liberty Times (自由時報) 19 June 2009 16 June 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20190616181418/https://news.ltn.com.tw/news/life/paper/312287 live許 甫 國合會有人得H1N1 隱匿危及使館？ https://news.tvbs.com.tw/local/134118 TVBS Media Inc 18 June 2009 1 November 2017 10 June 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20190610063107/https://news.tvbs.com.tw/local/134118 live指責外交部隱匿新流感 綠議員：使館特區陷集體感染危機 http://web.nownews.com/n/2009/06/18/919407 NOWnews.com (今日傳媒) 18 June 2009 2017-11-01 https://web.archive.org/web/20171107015759/http://web.nownews.com/n/2009/06/18/919407 2017-11-07 dead Diplomatic Quarter (Taiwan)#2009 H1N1 case Surveillance Taiwan CDC has multiple surveillance systems (disease surveillance)to monitor the epidemic. Complicated influenza Influenza A (H1N1) was removed from list of Category I Notifiable Disease and was included in the list of Category IV and reported as influenza complications on June 19. All cases with influenza-like illness and pulmonary complications, neurological complications, myocarditis/pericarditis, invasive bacterial infection or those who needed intensive care or died because of the illness should be reported to Taiwan CDC within one week of diagnosis. The first case of complicated influenza was reported on July 17, 2009. The first mortality case was reported on July 30, 2009. The first case in pregnant woman was confirmed on August 15. From June 19, 2009, to January 23, 2010, 884 case of complicated pandemic (H1N1) 2009 virus infections were reported and confirmed, including 39 deaths.http://flu.cdc.gov.tw/lp.asp?ctNode=1477&CtUnit=780&BaseDSD=7&mp=151 Influenza Express 2010-02-01 https://web.archive.org/web/20091111222234/http://flu.cdc.gov.tw/lp.asp?ctNode=1477&CtUnit=780&BaseDSD=7&mp=151 2009-11-11 dead The mortality rate is around 2 per million population. Characteristics of the first 100 cases of complicated influenza can be found in the following article.http://teb.cdc.gov.tw/ct.asp?xItem=14107&ctNode=3842&mp=181 The First 100 Hospitalized Severe Complicated Influenza Cases Caused by 2009 Pandemic Influenza A (H1N1) in Taiwan 2010-02-02 https://archive.today/20120724161725/http://teb.cdc.gov.tw/ct.asp?xItem=14107&ctNode=3842&mp=181 2012-07-24 dead Virologic surveillance Taiwan CDC's central lab and 10 contract labs are responsible for the virologic surveillance for seasonal and pandemic influenza. Soon after the start of the pandemic, Taiwan CDC developed its own diagnostic method for pandemic influenza A (H1N1), which is rapid, sensitive and specific.https://www.cdc.gov.tw/ct.asp?xItem=23159&ctNode=960&mp=5 Diagnostic test for influenza A(H1N1) already available in Taiwan 2017-10-29 https://web.archive.org/web/20120229132934/http://www.cdc.gov.tw/ct.asp?xItem=23159&ctNode=960&mp=5 2012-02-29 dead Rapid SYBR Green I and Modified Probe Real-Time Reverse Transcription-PCR Assays Identify Influenza H1N1 Viruses and Distinguish between Pandemic and Seasonal Strains Six weeks after the first case of influenza A (H1N1) was imported, on July 2, it was confirmed that the virus was circulating in the communities.https://www.cdc.gov.tw/ct.asp?xItem=24472&ctNode=960&mp=5 Taiwan CDC identifies presence of novel influenza A (H1N1) virus in community 2017-10-29 https://web.archive.org/web/20120229132726/http://www.cdc.gov.tw/ct.asp?xItem=24472&ctNode=960&mp=5 2012-02-29 dead Pandemic influenza A (H1N1) had become the dominant community strain since the 30th week of 2009, and accounts for more than 90% of all influenza strains isolated. First Oseltamivir-resistant pandemic influenza A (H1N1) virus strain was discovered in October, 2009.https://www.cdc.gov.tw/ct.asp?xItem=26002&ctNode=960&mp=5 First Oseltamivir-resistant pandemic influenza A (H1N1) virus strain discovered in Taiwan; no signs of further transmission detected 2017-10-29 https://web.archive.org/web/20120229132924/http://www.cdc.gov.tw/ct.asp?xItem=26002&ctNode=960&mp=5 2012-02-29 dead Since June 1, 2009, more than 800 isolates were tested for oseltamivir resistance and 8 were found to be resistant. All resistant strains developed after oseltamivir treatment and there are no evidence of continuous transmission of these strains.http://teb.cdc.gov.tw/content.asp?CuItem=14115&mp=181 Investigation of the First Two Cases of Oseltamivir- Resistant Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 Virus in Taiwan 2010-02-01 https://archive.today/20120801051249/http://teb.cdc.gov.tw/content.asp?CuItem=14115&mp=181 2012-08-01 dead Outpatient surveillance Taiwan CDC's database links with that of more than 300 hospitals all over the country. The number of patients diagnosed of influenza among all patients who visited the emergency department/outpatient department of these hospitals were calculated (ER/outpatient ILI consultation rate). According to the consultation rate, the first peak of influenza A(H1N1) infection in Taiwan was in the 36th week of 2009, followed by the second peak in the 48th week. The trend was going down since the beginning of 2010 and has remained low until now.August 2022 Pneumonia and influenza (P&I) mortality surveillance Deaths reported through the National Death Certificate System mentioning P&I as the cause of death were calculated and compared to that of the previous influenza season. By the beginning of 2010, the number is below that for this time last year. The number of deaths mentioning P&I for age groups 0–49, 50–64, and greater than 65 years was the highest for adults greater than 65 years of age.http://flu.cdc.gov.tw/lp.asp?ctNode=1477&CtUnit=780&BaseDSD=7&mp=151 Influenza Express 2010-02-01 https://web.archive.org/web/20091111222234/http://flu.cdc.gov.tw/lp.asp?ctNode=1477&CtUnit=780&BaseDSD=7&mp=151 2009-11-11 dead Control measures Antiviral stockpile In addition to oseltamivir, CECC also procured zanamivir for the pandemic.https://www.cdc.gov.tw/content.asp?cuitem=1689&mp=1 More than two million doses of oseltamivir and Relenza are in place 2017-10-29 https://web.archive.org/web/20120229132337/http://www.cdc.gov.tw/content.asp?cuitem=1689&mp=1 2012-02-29 dead https://www.cdc.gov.tw/ct.asp?xItem=24530&ctNode=960&mp=5 Central Epidemic Command Center announces government purchase of 0.9 million courses of Relenza 2017-10-29 https://web.archive.org/web/20120229132738/http://www.cdc.gov.tw/ct.asp?xItem=24530&ctNode=960&mp=5 2012-02-29 dead The first shipment of stockpiled antivirals was released on August 29.https://www.cdc.gov.tw/ct.asp?xItem=25259&ctNode=960&mp=5 Central Epidemic Command Center announces release of first 250,000 doses of Tamiflu from national stockpile 2017-10-29 https://web.archive.org/web/20120229132808/http://www.cdc.gov.tw/ct.asp?xItem=25259&ctNode=960&mp=5 2012-02-29 dead All medication was paid by the National Health Insurance.August 2022 Medical care system thumb|right|Taiwan compares to OECD Countries in Pandemic Mortality On August 17, 2009, Taiwan CDC published the "Clinical Treatment Guideline for Influenza A(H1N1)", which is a result of collaborative work with the Infectious Diseases Society of Taiwan, Taiwan Pediatric Association, Nosocomial Infection Control Society of Taiwan and Taiwan Society of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine.Clinical Treatment Guideline for Influenza A(H1N1)September 2018 InternetArchiveBot yes Guidelines on diagnosis, treatment and control of nosocomial infection are included. According to the guideline, oseltamivir is suggested to be given to patients with influenza-like illness and a positive rapid influenza diagnostic test result, patients with complicated influenza and patients with high risk conditions as defined by the WHO.CLINICAL MANAGEMENT OF PANDEMIC(H1N1) 2009 VIRUS INFECTION, Interim Guidance from Expert Consultation National Health Insurance, a compulsory social insurance system, is covering >98% of the population and contracting with >90% of the medical care institutions in Taiwan.http://www.nhi.gov.tw/english/index.asp?menu=&menu_id=486 Bureau of National Health Insurance, Taiwan 2010-02-02 https://web.archive.org/web/20100428020906/http://www.nhi.gov.tw/english/index.asp?menu=&menu_id=486 2010-04-28 dead Since August 15, 2009, oseltamivir can be prescribed free of charge in more than 3500 contracted clinics/hospitals for patients fulfilling the above criteria. Furthermore, the Taiwan Medical Association indicated that the doctors would help ease the load of patients by having clinics open on weekends.https://www.cdc.gov.tw/public/Attachment/991014491471.doc Letter from the Taiwan Medical Association 2017-10-29 https://web.archive.org/web/20120229132453/http://www.cdc.gov.tw/public/Attachment/991014491471.doc 2012-02-29 dead Vaccination On June 1, the CECC began the process to procure influenza A(H1N1) vaccine.https://www.cdc.gov.tw/ct.asp?xItem=23944&ctNode=960&mp=5 Central Epidemic Command Center announces plans to procure influenza A (H1N1) vaccine 2017-10-29 https://web.archive.org/web/20120229132819/http://www.cdc.gov.tw/ct.asp?xItem=23944&ctNode=960&mp=5 2012-02-29 dead As a result, 15 million doses of vaccine were bought from two manufacturers (Adimmune and Novartis), covering 60% of the population.China (Taiwan) Ministry of Foreign Affairs 2009-09-02 Additional swine flu vaccine acquired from abroad https://taiwantoday.tw/news.php?unit=10&post=15730 2021-08-28 Taiwan Today en 2021-08-28 https://web.archive.org/web/20210828194945/https://taiwantoday.tw/news.php?unit=10&post=15730 live Vaccine priority list was announced in August and mass vaccination began on November 1. Vaccinations were first given to targeted high risk groups, and to school aged children who are likely to spread the disease.https://www.cdc.gov.tw/ct.asp?xItem=26149&ctNode=960&mp=5 Taiwan to launch H1N1 vaccine campaign according to vaccine priority list and schedule 2017-10-29 https://web.archive.org/web/20120229132828/http://www.cdc.gov.tw/ct.asp?xItem=26149&ctNode=960&mp=5 2012-02-29 dead https://www.cdc.gov.tw/public/Attachment/9103014292371.ppt H1N1 vaccination priority schedule 2017-10-29 https://web.archive.org/web/20120229132535/http://www.cdc.gov.tw/public/Attachment/9103014292371.ppt 2012-02-29 dead Medical personnel were the first to be immunized. Data from a cross-national study showed that 76% of physicians in Taiwan have been vaccinated, which was the highest among all the physicians interviewed.https://www.cdc.gov.tw/ct.asp?xItem=27456&ctNode=960&mp=5 Cross-National Study：H1N1 vaccination rate among physicians highest in Taiwan 2017-10-29 https://web.archive.org/web/20120229132942/http://www.cdc.gov.tw/ct.asp?xItem=27456&ctNode=960&mp=5 2012-02-29 dead National Immunization Day On December 12, 2009, vaccination was opened up to everyone. A large vaccination campaign was conducted to boost vaccination coverage. Vaccination stations were set up in hospitals, clinics, department stores and community gathering places. A total of 563,712 doses of vaccines (2.4% of population) were administered on that day.https://www.cdc.gov.tw/ct.asp?xItem=26801&ctNode=960&mp=5 Commander Yang: general and municipal hospitals to remain open during weekend for campaign to vaccinate entire population against H1N1 that begins on December 12, 2009 October 29, 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20120229132836/http://www.cdc.gov.tw/ct.asp?xItem=26801&ctNode=960&mp=5 February 29, 2012 dead https://www.cdc.gov.tw/ct.asp?xItem=26863&ctNode=960&mp=5Central Epidemic Command Center thanks people in Taiwan for writing a new chapter in history of disease prevention 2017-10-29 https://web.archive.org/web/20120229132849/http://www.cdc.gov.tw/ct.asp?xItem=26863&ctNode=960&mp=5Central 2012-02-29 dead By the end of January 2010, approximately 24% of the total population have been immunized. To improve the accessibility of vaccination, phone lines set up by local health bureaus in cities and counties are open for the public to book a group appointment for pandemic influenza A (H1N1) vaccination.https://www.cdc.gov.tw/ct.asp?xItem=27404&ctNode=960&mp=5 Group H1N1 vaccination appointment lines open Monday 2017-10-29 https://web.archive.org/web/20120229132951/http://www.cdc.gov.tw/ct.asp?xItem=27404&ctNode=960&mp=5 2012-02-29 dead To prevent further spread of the virus in the coming 9-day holiday of the Lunar New Year, immunization stations were set up in airports and Taipei Station to vaccinate travellers since February 1, 2010.August 2022 Surveillance for adverse events following immunization To ensure and safety and effectiveness of H1N1 vaccine, Taiwan CDC has passive and active surveillance system for vaccine adverse events. For passive surveillance, any adverse event happens after H1N1 immunization can be reported to local health bureau and Taiwan CDC. For active surveillance, vaccination record database is linked with the National Health Insurance database to ensure that the incidence of neurological diseases (such as Guillain–Barré syndrome), cardiovascular disease, adverse pregnancy outcome, stroke and anaphylaxis does not exceed the background incidence. By January 26, 2010, 1176 suspected vaccine-related adverse events have been reported, including 330 suspected serious adverse events and 35 deaths. Based on the number of vaccine doses administered, the incidence of adverse events and serious adverse events did not exceed the expected value.Summary of 2009 Monovalent H1N1 Vaccine Safety SurveillanceSeptember 2018 InternetArchiveBot yes Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) committee is composed of a group of expert consultants with expertise in clinical medicine, pathology, sociology and law. It works independently from the government and is responsible for reviewing petitions requesting compensation for individuals thought to be injured by a vaccine.https://www.cdc.gov.tw/ct.asp?xItem=27232&ctNode=960&mp=5 Important decisions made and 5 petitions reviewed at first conference convened by new VICP expert consultants 2017-10-29 https://web.archive.org/web/20120229133059/http://www.cdc.gov.tw/ct.asp?xItem=27232&ctNode=960&mp=5 2012-02-29 dead As of January 29, 2010, the VICP has received a total of 218 claims requesting compensation for individuals thought to be injured by the pandemic influenza A (H1N1) vaccine. VICP has completed reviewing 39 petitions. Five cases were ruled compensable (association is confirmed in one while association cannot be excluded in the other four) while the other thirty-four cases were ruled non-compensable.https://www.cdc.gov.tw/ct.asp?xItem=27498&ctNode=960&mp=5 Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) completes review of eleven petitions 2017-10-29 https://web.archive.org/web/20120229133112/http://www.cdc.gov.tw/ct.asp?xItem=27498&ctNode=960&mp=5 2012-02-29 dead School closures In the beginning of the pandemic, the strategy was to contain the disease. During containment, one case was found in a school-aged child, resulting in the suspension of classes for the entire school.http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2009/05/23/2003444323 Guangfu Elementary School suspends class 23 May 2009 2010-01-29 2009-05-29 https://web.archive.org/web/20090529123417/http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2009/05/23/2003444323 live After school re-commenced in the fall, instead of closing the entire school, it was decided that only classrooms with two or more students with influenza in a 3-day period would have classes suspended for 5 days, which is the so-called 325 rule for class suspension.Precautions, Reporting, and Procedure in Response to H1N1 September 7, 2009September 2018 InternetArchiveBot yes http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2009/09/03/2003452671 325 class suspension policy 3 September 2009 2010-01-29 2009-09-08 https://web.archive.org/web/20090908053108/http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2009/09/03/2003452671 live School-based vaccination program started on November 16, 2009, and half of the students in elementary or junior high school were vaccinated against flu by the end of November. Therefore, the rule for class suspension shifted from 325 to "814". Class suspension is no longer indicated, if >80% of the students in a class have been vaccinated for more than 2 weeks. The number of suspended classes reached its peak by the end of November, when more than 2000 classrooms were suspended daily all over Taiwan. However, because of successful school-based immunization program, less than 5 classrooms were suspended daily by the end of 2009.August 2022 Mass communication Taiwan CDC has multifacet strategies to communicate with the public, media and the medical personnels. Daily and weekly updates on the statistics of influenza A(H1N1) is available on the website.Surveillance for influenza A(H1N1)September 2018 InternetArchiveBot yes Important news about policy and current situation of the pandemic will be announced as press releases in routine news conference and on the website.https://www.cdc.gov.tw/lp.asp?CtNode=960&CtUnit=371&BaseDSD=7&mp=5 Press releases from Taiwan CDC 2017-10-29 https://web.archive.org/web/20120229133003/http://www.cdc.gov.tw/lp.asp?CtNode=960&CtUnit=371&BaseDSD=7&mp=5 2012-02-29 dead Many celebrities, including Chien-Ming Wang, participated in H1N1 prevention campaign by shooting videos to urge the public to work as a team to stop H1N1.https://www.cdc.gov.tw/sp.asp?xdurl=disease%2Fdisease_detail.asp&id=2362&mp=1&ctnode=1498 Chien-Ming Wang participates in H1N1 prevention campaign by shooting video for Taiwan CDC 2019-08-29 https://web.archive.org/web/20120229133015/http://www.cdc.gov.tw/sp.asp?xdurl=disease%2Fdisease_detail.asp&id=2362&mp=1&ctnode=1498 2012-02-29 dead The 24/7 hotline of Taiwan CDC-1922, is an important channel of communication with the public. 1922 hotline deals with any inquiries related to communicable diseases such as reporting, diagnosis, consultation and referral. As the pandemic evolves, the number of incoming calls increased to more than 3000 per week. Many vaccine-related adverse events were reported via this hotline. It also provides first-hand information about how the policy is being executed. Since August 2009, CECC releases "E-Letter to doctors" to disseminate the latest information regarding diagnosis, treatment and policy making about influenza A(H1N1).https://www.cdc.gov.tw/lp.asp?CtNode=2379&CtUnit=1373&BaseDSD=7&mp=1&nowPage=5&pagesize=100 Letter to doctors from CECC 2017-10-29 https://web.archive.org/web/20120229133130/http://www.cdc.gov.tw/lp.asp?CtNode=2379&CtUnit=1373&BaseDSD=7&mp=1&nowPage=5&pagesize=100 2012-02-29 dead By the end of 2009, 61 letters had been issued. More than 6000 doctors in Taiwan have subscribed. References External links Centers for Disease Control Taiwan Taiwan Category:Disease outbreaks in Taiwan Category:2009 in Taiwan