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CDC urges people to learn about bird flu

A staffer of Wild Bird Federation Taiwan wearing protective mask and gloves collects excrement from migratory birds for avian-flu testing in Taipei yesterday. PHOTO: AFP

According to a survey released yesterday by the Center for Disease Control (CDC), more than 50 percent of people in this country know very little about protecting themselves against avian influenza.

A survey of 1,092 people over the age of 20, conducted between Oct. 9 and Oct. 10, found that 21.8 percent of respondents know that washing your hands regularly and maintaining hygienic practices is very important in staying healthy.

Only 7.7 percent of respondents knew that it was important to avoid eating uncooked poultry, while just 3.9 percent knew that one should avoid going into areas that have been affected by bird flu.

In terms of what to do when flu symptoms appear, 2.5 percent of respondents said one should wear a mask that covers the mouth and 10.8 percent said a sick person should not go to school. Only 5.2 percent knew to tell a doctor if they had recently been on vacation.

"The public's knowledge about avian flu needs to be strengthened," CDC Deputy Director General Lin Ting (林頂) said yesterday.

"The most effective measure against the disease is the public's cooperation, so educating the public is very important," he said.

Lin said that the best defense against avian flu was "not to let it in or let it out."

"Detection is very important to breaking the chain of infection," he said.

Lin said that at a meeting he attended in Britain the emphasis had been placed on detecting the first case.

As for face masks, Lin said, "Unlike during the SARS outbreak, I do not advise the majority of people to use them. Only those who think they have [flu] symptoms should do so."

In related news, a spokeswoman for pharmaceutical giant Roche said it does not rule out consultation with foreign countries on joint production of Tamiflu, the leading drug against avian influenza.

Department of Health Minister Hou Sheng-mao (侯勝茂) said on Monday that he would write to Roche requesting permission for Taiwan to produce Tamiflu.

The Roche spokeswoman said the company had not yet received Hou's request, but that "After receiving Taiwan's request ... Roche will discuss details with the Taiwan government."
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