Sixty-one cluster outbreaks of influenza reported since July: CDC

2010/09/04 21:31:44

Taipei, Sept. 4 (CNA) Sixty-one clusters of outbreaks of influenza viruses have been reported since July, and among them, the AH3 type was the biggest with 44 clusters, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) said Saturday. CDC Deputy Director General Chou Jih-haw said the AH3 type was followed by eight clusters of AH1 type, four clusters of B type, four clusters of the combination of two types, and one cluster whose virus type is yet to be identified. "The clusters of influenza AH3 virus have increased since August," Chou also said. The clusters of outbreaks mainly took place in nursing homes for the elderly, prisons and hospitals. Meanwhile, Taipei City's Department of Health confirmed Saturday a cluster outbreak of influenza A in a temple in suburban Taipei. Health officials said that several monks began to show symptoms of influenza on Sept. 2, and the patients in three cases suffered more serious conditions and were sent to the hospital. The CDC also said that although the outbreak of H1N1 is not as serious as last year, it still can threaten young people. The CDC urged the public to get inoculated as vaccination is still the safest and most effective way to avoid being infected and developing serious illness. People can check on the website http://tcgwww.taipei.gov.tw or call 2375-3782 for information about 29 medical institutions in Taipei that offer free H1N1 vaccinations, the CDC said.