Taiwan raises travel alert for Xinjiang on H7N9 reports

• CNA
• 2014-09-04
• 16:10 (GMT+8)

Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) on Wednesday raised its travel alert for Xinjiang Uyghur autonomous region in China after two human infections of H7N9 avian flu were reported there.

On the recommendation of Taiwan's Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the MAC upgraded its epidemic travel advisory for Xinjiang from a level-1 watch to a level-2 alert, which advises travelers to maintain a high degree of caution and take strong protective measures, especially when visiting certain high-risk places.

The CDC said a 66-year-old woman in Xinjiang died in August after developing H7N9 symptoms on July 14.

In the other Xinjiang case, a 53-year-old man was confirmed on Aug. 5 to be infected with the H7N9 virus, the CDC said.

Except for Xinjiang, all Chinese provinces are still under a level-1 advisory issued by the MAC in light of reports of other H7N9 cases.

The CDC warned that the H7N9 situation in China could worsen in autumn and it cautioned people traveling to infected areas in China to wash their hands frequently, wear a surgical mask, and avoid direct contact with birds or poultry.

Travelers are also advised to avoid eating uncooked meat and eggs or feeding wild birds, the CDC said.

If travelers to epidemic areas develop a fever and cough, they should promptly see a doctor upon return to Taiwan, the CDC advised.

Under Taiwan's travel advisory system, a level-1 advisory urges vigilance and health precautions when traveling to the listed areas, while a Level-3 warning advises against travel to the specified destination.