Student Affairs Announcement
In response to the Mpox outbreak in Africa, the World Health Organization (WHO) once again declared the Mpox outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on August 14th of this year (113th year of the Republic of China). Schools are requested to collaborate on Mpox prevention and control efforts.
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| Description: |
| I. | In accordance with the Ministry of Education, Department of Secondary and Preschool Education's letter No. 1130101404 dated September 2, 113 (2024). |
| II. | Given the significant increase in Mpox (M痘) cases in Africa since May of this year, with the emergence of Clade Ib virus strains capable of human-to-human transmission, which differ from the Clade IIb subtypes prevalent globally. Although transmission is primarily through close sexual contact and the risk of spread within non-risk groups is low, this wave of outbreaks has already shown cross-border transmission and a higher fatality rate than Clade IIb. Furthermore, due to resource scarcity in African regions, most clinical cases lack laboratory test results, hindering systematic monitoring. While large-scale outbreaks have not yet occurred outside of Africa, the initial symptoms of Mpox are often subtle, or some individuals may not seek medical attention due to lack of awareness or stigma. Therefore, the WHO urges all countries to remain vigilant and, on August 14th of this year, once again declared the Mpox outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). |
| III. | As schools have just reopened, to protect the health of young people and reduce the risk of disease transmission, international students arriving in or returning to Taiwan from affected areas should be strongly advised to monitor their health. The incubation period for Mpox is approximately 21 days. If skin lesions such as rashes, blisters, macules, papules, or pustules appear within 21 days of arrival in Taiwan, along with symptoms like fever, chills, headache, muscle pain, back pain, joint pain, or swollen lymph nodes (e.g., around the ears, armpits, neck, or groin), they should wear a mask, seek medical attention promptly, and actively inform the doctor about their travel history, exposure to high-risk environments, and contact history. |
| IV. | Additionally, school personnel visiting African epidemic areas such as the Democratic Republic of Congo for visits or academic exchanges should practice self-protection. During travel, it is recommended to avoid high-risk environments where close contact with unspecified individuals may occur, and to avoid contact with or consumption of wild animals to reduce the risk of zoonotic transmission. Upon entry, if any suspected symptoms appear, it is imperative to seek assistance from the quarantine station at the port of entry for assessment. After entry, wear a mask, seek medical attention promptly, and actively inform the doctor about travel history, exposure to high-risk environments, and contact history. |
| V. | If you are eligible for free Mpox vaccination, including individuals with risky sexual behavior in the past year (e.g., having sex with different people at different times or the same time, engaging in sex work, or having sex in commercial establishments); those who have had sexually transmitted infections in the past; or individuals whose sexual contacts fall into any of the above categories, please get vaccinated as soon as possible. Foreign nationals holding a Taiwanese residence permit or having National Health Insurance status, if they meet the aforementioned conditions, are also eligible for free Mpox vaccination. Therefore, if you are eligible for a residence permit or National Health Insurance and have the aforementioned risks, you can apply as soon as possible. |
| VI. | Attached is one set of Mpox prevention and health education materials. More information on Mpox prevention, vaccination, health education materials, teaching aids, or videos can be found and downloaded from the Taiwan CDC website (www.cdc.gov.tw) under the Infectious Disease and Prevention Section / Infectious Disease Introduction / Category 2 Notifiable Infectious Diseases / Mpox Section. |
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{{ $t('FEZ004') }} 2024-09-05|
{{ $t('FEZ005') }} 2316|