The Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) on Wednesday raised its travel alert for Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region in China after two human infections of H7N9 avian flu were reported there.
Upon the recommendation of Taiwan’s Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the council raised 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 that a 66-year-old woman in Xinjiang died last month 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 virus, the CDC said.
Except for Xinjiang, all Chinese provinces are still under the council’s level-1 advisory, issued in light of reports of other H7N9 cases.
The CDC said that the H7N9 situation in China could worsen in the autumn and cautioned people traveling to affected 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, and not to feed wild birds, the CDC said.
If travelers to epidemic areas develop a fever and cough, they should promptly see a doctor upon returning to Taiwan, the CDC said.
Under the nation’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.
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