Premier Jiang Yi-huah visited the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) under the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) today to inspect preparations against the possible spread of the Ebola virus in Taiwan. He directed health officials to keep a close eye on Ebola developments worldwide and to take all appropriate control and response actions to protect Taiwan's citizens.
"Even though the World Health Organization declared Senegal and Nigeria to be Ebola-free on October 17 and 20, countries around the globe are standing at high alert. With rapid changes in the situation and the possibility of the virus mutating, Taiwan cannot afford to let its guard down," Jiang warned.
Ebola's relatively long incubation period makes it difficult to completely eliminate the possibility that the virus may enter Taiwan via international travelers. At this stage, health authorities should monitor incoming travelers who may have been at risk of exposure or infection, said the premier.
After the global SARS epidemic in 2003, Taiwan instituted a range of prevention protocols such as setting up fever-screening check points at airports. For the current Ebola outbreak, authorities are also broadcasting reminder announcements on all flights, and passengers from high-risk areas arriving in Taiwan since October 21 have been asked to complete an Ebola declaration card.
"Checking airport passengers for fevers constitutes the first layer of protection. As soon as a case is suspected, the CDC should activate its response mechanisms and immediately stop the virus from spreading."
Taking a lesson from the U.S. and Spain where nurses were accidentally infected by Ebola patients, health authorities in Taiwan must protect frontline medical personnel by training them on the proper use of personal protection equipment. The premier asked the MOHW to review its subsidy measures to make sure that doctors and nurses treating Ebola patients can receive complete training and protective gear. If more funds are required, the Executive Yuan will provide full support.
Following the SARS outbreak, the nation also established a communicable disease health care network where each region has its own commander, deputy commander and designated hospital to treat specific diseases.
"This network prevents public panic by making certain that infected patients receive good medical care and that other hospitals are protected. Currently six designated hospitals are prepared and ready to respond."
Jiang instructed the MOHW to assist other hospitals in upgrading their facilities and planning efficient lines of movements so as to ensure their ability to take in patients in the event of a rapid outbreak.
Jiang also requested the MOHW to promote public awareness of the disease consultation hotline, 1922, which runs 365 days around the clock. The hotline will quickly alert health officials to possible cases and guide patients to appropriate medical care.
To reinforce response and prevention operations, the MOHW was also asked to consult with academics and experts in related fields. The premier pledged to activate the Executive Yuan's secondary reserve funds should additional funding be needed.
As for the response capabilities of schools and military institutions, the premier requested the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of National Defense to enhance their disease reporting systems and hygiene education mechanisms as well.
After the CDC's briefing, Jiang held a videoconference with the designated hospitals to hear about their preparations against Ebola. The six hospitals are: Taipei City Hospital's Heping Fuyou Branch (Taipei area), Taoyuan General Hospital's Sinwu Branch (northern Taiwan), Taichung Hospital (central Taiwan), Tainan Hospital (southern Taiwan), Pingtung Hospital (Kaohsiung and Pingtung areas) and Hualien Hospital (eastern Taiwan).