Announcement Compilation
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 that were prevalent globally. Although transmission is still 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 compared to Clade IIb. Furthermore, due to resource scarcity in African regions, most clinical cases lack laboratory test results, making systematic monitoring impossible. While large-scale outbreaks have not yet occurred outside of Africa, the initial symptoms of Mpox are often not obvious, or some individuals do not seek medical attention or are reluctant to report due to 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, maculopapular rashes, or pustules appear within 21 days of entering 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 history 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 areas 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. If suspected symptoms appear upon entry, it is essential to seek assistance from the quarantine station at the port of entry for assessment. After entering the country, wear a mask, seek medical attention promptly, and actively inform the doctor about your travel history, exposure history to high-risk environments, and contact history. |
| V. | If you are eligible for the public-funded Mpox vaccine, including those 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 a sexually transmitted infection in the past, or those whose sexual partners have any of the aforementioned conditions, 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 the public-funded Mpox vaccine. Therefore, if you are eligible to apply for a residence permit or have health insurance and have the aforementioned risks, you can apply as soon as possible. |
| VI. | Attached is 1 copy 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') }} 2318|