We must learn from SARS
On the 10th anniversary of the SARS outbreak that terrorized Taiwan in 2003, a new threat, the H7N9 bird flu virus, seems to be looming. Just like SARS, H7N9 originated in China.
The index (first) case of SARS in Taiwan came from China. I fear it is only a matter of time before the H7N9 flu virus spreads to Taiwan due to the frequent human travel between the two countries.
It is commendable that the government is taking this matter seriously, as indicated in a Taipei Times report (“DOH rings bird flu alarm bells,” April 4, page 1).
The quarantine alert for H7N9 has been raised from Grade 2 to Grade 3 (Grade 5 is the highest), and a national-level H7N9 epidemic prevention and control center has been established, and “activated,” with a chief named to operate the center.
However, I have always been intrigued regarding how such measures would help curb a potential serious and deadly epidemic. Flu viruses, being invisible, clandestinely spread at astronomical speeds between poultry and perhaps, in this case, humans.
Patients who are infected by the virus will never, by wearing a T shirt, indicate that “I am infected with flu.”
In addition, during the incubation period of an infection, patients are spreading virions and infecting others even when they have no symptoms.
Accordingly, one wonders what can be achieved through a “prevention and control center” once the infecting organism has quietly arrived?
The most effective measure would be to nip the problem in the bud, that is, to avoid contacting infected patients, which is in accordance with the notion of a quarantine.
The logical step to take is to avoid going to the epicenter of infection: China.
Without a travel ban, the virus will likely be imported from China, and prevention and control will be as effective as a dog chasing its tail.
While the H7N9 bird flu has not infected many people in China — “only” five people have died — one must bear in mind that it is of low pathogenicity. That five patients have died is alarming to the medical and scientific community.
In addition, the Chinese government does not have a credible track record of reporting communicable diseases: They tend to under-report it or try to cover it up, as in the early phase of the SARS epidemic.
The real scale of H7N9 remains to be determined and it is advisable to stay away from China for now. Although the WHO does not recommend a travel ban, since no evidence of human-to-human transmission has been confirmed, it seems prudent to err on the side of caution.
The acclaimed philosopher and novelist George Santayana said: “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”
Close to a hundred lives were lost in the 2003 SARS epidemic, including those of medical professionals who cared for patients with SARS. Survivors still suffer from the side effects of treatment and Taiwanese society as a whole paid dearly including financial setbacks, loss of trust and much more.
I sincerly hope that government officials in Taiwan understand the history of SARS and avoid making the same mistake when handling the current threat of H7N9.
Tiffany Hsiao
Maryland
Speaking at the Copenhagen Democracy Summit on May 13, former president Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) said that democracies must remain united and that “Taiwan’s security is essential to regional stability and to defending democratic values amid mounting authoritarianism.” Earlier that day, Tsai had met with a group of Danish parliamentarians led by Danish Parliament Speaker Pia Kjaersgaard, who has visited Taiwan many times, most recently in November last year, when she met with President William Lai (賴清德) at the Presidential Office. Kjaersgaard had told Lai: “I can assure you that ... you can count on us. You can count on our support
Denmark has consistently defended Greenland in light of US President Donald Trump’s interests and has provided unwavering support to Ukraine during its war with Russia. Denmark can be proud of its clear support for peoples’ democratic right to determine their own future. However, this democratic ideal completely falls apart when it comes to Taiwan — and it raises important questions about Denmark’s commitment to supporting democracies. Taiwan lives under daily military threats from China, which seeks to take over Taiwan, by force if necessary — an annexation that only a very small minority in Taiwan supports. Denmark has given China a
Many local news media over the past week have reported on Internet personality Holger Chen’s (陳之漢) first visit to China between Tuesday last week and yesterday, as remarks he made during a live stream have sparked wide discussions and strong criticism across the Taiwan Strait. Chen, better known as Kuan Chang (館長), is a former gang member turned fitness celebrity and businessman. He is known for his live streams, which are full of foul-mouthed and hypermasculine commentary. He had previously spoken out against the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and criticized Taiwanese who “enjoy the freedom in Taiwan, but want China’s money”
A high-school student surnamed Yang (楊) gained admissions to several prestigious medical schools recently. However, when Yang shared his “learning portfolio” on social media, he was caught exaggerating and even falsifying content, and his admissions were revoked. Now he has to take the “advanced subjects test” scheduled for next month. With his outstanding performance in the general scholastic ability test (GSAT), Yang successfully gained admissions to five prestigious medical schools. However, his university dreams have now been frustrated by the “flaws” in his learning portfolio. This is a wake-up call not only for students, but also teachers. Yang did make a big
RSS