Focus Taiwan
Date: 2016/05/17
By: Chang Ming-hsuan and Lilian Wu
Taipei, May 17 (CNA) Taiwan has recorded 275 new cases of hepatitis A so far this year, the
A free hepatitis screening event. (CNA file photo)
highest number for the same period in recent years, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) said Tuesday.
Half of the 275 infections were among people with HIV, the CDC said, citing data valid as of May 15.
CDC Director-General Steve Kuo (郭旭崧) said most of the hepatitis A cases were recorded in the northern half of the country, with New Taipei accounting for 33.98 percent, Taipei 28 percent, Taichung 12.3 percent, and Taoyuan 9.1 percent.
In view of the situation, Kuo said, the CDC is planning to expand its hepatitis A vaccination program at the end of the year.
Among people under the age of 40, the first dose of the hepatitis A vaccine will be free if they have HIV, acute gonorrhea or primary syphilis, he said. [FULL STORY]
