Serological response to avian influenza viruses among occupationally exposed population in Taiwan, a longitudinal cohort study, 2021-2023.

The Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (TCDC) initiated longitudinal sero-epidemiological surveillance of avian influenza viruses (AIVs) targeting poultry workers exposed on affected farms since 2021. Convalescent-phase serum samples were collected from these workers 21-28 days post-outbreak identification. TCDC recontacted participants in subsequent years for repeat serological sampling.

Epidemiology and risk factors of Japanese encephalitis in Taiwan, 2010-2022.

Introduction: Taiwan introduced a two-dose inactivated Japanese encephalitis (JE) mouse brain-derived (JE-MB) vaccine into routine childhood immunization in 1968, with booster vaccination implemented in 1974 and 1983. In 2017, JE-MB vaccine was replaced by a two-dose live-attenuated chimeric vaccine (JE-CV). After implementation of JE vaccination programs, JE cases have shifted from children to adults.

Sudan virus disease - A quick review.

The recent Sudan virus disease (SVD) outbreak in Uganda is a reminder of threat from Filovirus diseases. Unlike Ebola virus disease, no effective antiviral and vaccine is available for SVD. The outbreak was declared over after 115 days, with 142 confirmed cases and case fatality rate of 39%, before any dose of candidate vaccine could be used on contacts.

Epidemiology of the first 100 cases of COVID-19 in Taiwan and its implications on outbreak control.

Purpose: To describe the epidemiology and outcome of the first 100 COVID-19 cases in Taiwan.

Methods: We included the first 100 patients with laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection in Taiwan. Demographic, clinical, epidemiological and laboratory data were extracted from outbreak investigation reports and medical records.

Comparative epidemiology of influenza B by lineage in intensive care unit-admitted patients with complications: A nationwide study in Taiwan, 2013-2017.

Background: We describe the relative proportions and epidemiological features of influenza B/Victoria and B/Yamagata, using data from nationwide surveillance systems.

Methods: We collected respiratory samples from outpatients with influenza-like illness (ILI) and intensive care unit (ICU)-admitted patients with complications (pulmonary or neurological complications, myocarditis/pericarditis or invasive bacterial infection) for virus isolation and lineage typing. Demographics, epidemiological features, and vaccination history from ICU-admitted patients with complications were analyzed.

Seasonal influenza prevention and control in Taiwan-Strategies revisited.

Influenza remains a serious public health threat in Taiwan. During 2017-18, Taiwan experienced two seasonal influenza epidemics caused by A/H3N2 and B, respectively. In addition to national influenza vaccination campaign, Taiwan Centers for Diseases Control and Infectious Disease Control Advisory Committee has multi-faceted strategies for seasonal influenza prevention and control to mitigate the risk of disease transmission among vulnerable groups and decrease influenza-related morbidity and mortality.

Influenza A(H3N2) virus variants and patient characteristics during a summer influenza epidemic in Taiwan, 2017.

We report a summer influenza epidemic caused by co-circulation of multiple influenza A(H3N2) variants in clade 3C.2a. Compared with other clades, a putative clade 3C.

Legionnaires' disease caused by Legionella longbeachae in Taiwan, 2006-2010.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the epidemiology of Legionnaires' disease (LD) caused by Legionella longbeachae in Taiwan during 2006-2010. A total of six cases were identified prospectively, accounting for 1.6% of all laboratory-confirmed LD cases and 4.

Community outbreak of adenovirus, Taiwan, 2011.

In 2011, a large community outbreak of human adenovirus (HAdV) in Taiwan was detected by a nationwide surveillance system. The epidemic lasted from week 11 through week 41 of 2011 (March 14-October 16, 2011). Although HAdV-3 was the predominant strain detected (74%), an abrupt increase in the percentage of infections caused by HAdV-7 occurred, from 0.

Molecular detection and incidence of human papillomavirus in neonates: methodology and a pilot study in a medical center.

Background/purpose: Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection can cause laryngeal papillomas in children. Vertical transmission has been confirmed. This study aimed to establish a sensitive molecular diagnostic method and understand the incidence of the HPV-6 and HPV-11 in neonates with intubation.

Viral load and clinical features in children infected with seasonal influenza B in 2006/2007.

Background/purpose: In influenza B infection, viral load is believed to be related to the severity of clinical illness. The correlation between viral load and symptoms is not known. We conducted a study to assess the relationship between virus load and clinical features in children infected with influenza B, in the hope that clinical features could be used as surrogate markers of viral load to guide treatment.

An outbreak of coxsackievirus A6 hand, foot, and mouth disease associated with onychomadesis in Taiwan, 2010.

Background: In 2010, an outbreak of coxsackievirus A6 (CA6) hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) occurred in Taiwan and some patients presented with onychomadesis and desquamation following HFMD. Therefore, we performed an epidemiological and molecular investigation to elucidate the characteristics of this outbreak.

Methods: Patients who had HFMD with positive enterovirus isolation results were enrolled.

Change in hepatitis A epidemiology after vaccinating high risk children in Taiwan, 1995-2008.

Taiwan started to immunize children in 30 indigenous townships against hepatitis A since June 1995. The program was further expanded to 19 non-indigenous townships with higher incidence or increased risk of epidemic in 1997-2002, covering 2% of total population. Annual incidence of hepatitis A decreased from 2.

Microbiology and epidemiology of brain abscess and subdural empyema in a medical center: a 10-year experience.

Background And Purpose: Brain abscess and subdural empyema are the 2 most common forms of intracranial pyogenic infections. Predisposing factors and etiological agents may change with time. This study examined the epidemiological features of these conditions.

Outbreak of influenza in an overseas student travel group--Taiwan 2008.

Influenza is a frequent cause of acute respiratory illness (ARI). In July 2008, we conducted a retrospective cohort study to investigate an influenza outbreak occurring in an overland travel group of overseas students. ARI was defined as the presence of any respiratory symptom such as cough, rhinorrhoea, sore throat or stuffy nose.