The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) yesterday sought to allay public concern over news of a third flu death in Hong Kong, saying Taiwan's own peak flu season has already passed.
"Hong Kong's flu season always comes later [than Taiwan's]," CDC deputy chief Lin Ting (林頂) said. "All the indicators show that our own flu season is past its peak."
The peak flu season in Taiwan usually occurs between Christmas and the Lunar New Year. This year, the numbers show that the peak season ended late last month, Lin said.
Despite the large number of people traveling between Taiwan and Hong Kong, an epidemic in the territory should not affect Taiwan, Lin said.
"We administered 2.6 million flu shots in the country," Lin said. "I have confidence in our flu prevention measures."
People planning to visit Hong Kong have the option of getting a free flu shot.
Roughly 100,000 doses are still in stock and are available free of charge. However, they need to be administered two weeks prior to the trip to be effective. Those traveling to Hong Kong can also minimize their chances of infection by avoiding heavily populated areas with poor ventilation, Lin said.
"Frankly, there is very little cause for concern," Lin said.
The CDC also reported yesterday the first two indigenous cases of German measles this year. Two Taipei area women who worked in the same office came down with the disease at the same time, it said.
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