Page 85 - 2023 Taiwan Health and Welfare Report

06 Communicable Disease Control 06

2. Acute viral hepatitis B and C 2. Novel Influenza A Virus Infections (Flu Pandemic)
The numbers of confirmed cases of acute viral (1) Information on the avian influenza epidemic
hepatitis B and C in 2022 were 103 and 506, was exchanged through an interagency
respectively. A sample survey of pregnant women communication platform to ensure stringent
screened for hepatitis B during prenatal care visits surveillance of avian influenza variants and the risk
and newborns vaccinated against hepatitis B of their spreading to humans. Health monitoring
suggested that the carrier rate among children aged took place among frontline workers handling the
6 decreased to 0.8% (2007 survey) from 10.5% slaughter of poultry and cleaning and disinfection
before immunization (1989 survey). In addition, in of poultry farms. A total of 652 individuals were
order to reduce the chance of acquiring hepatitis monitored in 2022, and no human infection with
B among children born to pregnant women with avian influenza was detected.
hepatitis B (HBsAg positive), we continue to (2) Surveillance of the antigenicity, drug resistance,
promote "follow-up checkups and vaccinations of and genetic changes of flu viruses as well
children at a higher risk of hepatitis B infection." as emergence of novel flus continued. With
international norms / rules considered, the
Section 5 Influenza Control
establishment of the Advance Purchase
1. Seasonal influenza
Agreement (APA) mechanism was proposed.
(1) In 2022, there were a total of 22 confirmed cases The MOHW has reserved influenza antiviral drugs
of influenza with severe complications, including sufficient for 10-15% of the population.
4 fatalities, resulting in a mortality rate of 18.2%,
Section 6 Prevention and Control of
as shown in Figure 6-7.
COVID-19
(2) The MOHW launched the "Influenza Vaccine
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Taiwan
Immunization Program" in October 2022. As of
officially designated COVID-19 as a Category V
February 12, 2023, a total of over 6,370,000
communicable disease on January 15, 2020. This was
immunizations were administered.
followed by the establishment of the Central Epidemic
(3) The MOHW rigorously monitored influenza activity,
Command Center (CECC) on January 20 to take charge
strengthened the quality of medical care available
of the mobilization required to meet the emergency.
for acute cases, and the allocation of resources.
1. Overview
The MOHW set up approximately 4,300 locations
to dispense subsidized influenza antivirals. (1) As of the end of 2022, there were 201 nations/
regions affected by the COVID-19 pandemic,

Figure 6-7 Confirmed Cases of Severe Influenza Complications in 2022

Cases
12

10

8

6

4

2

0
Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May. Jun. July. Aug. Sep. Oct. Nov. Dec. Month
Source: Taiwan Centers for Disease Control

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