By / Compiled and reported by Fresh from AttractionFamily
The Central Epidemic Command Center announced on the 17th that there were 10 newly confirmed imported COVID-19 (Wuhan pneumonia) cases in Taiwan, along with 740 new reports related to novel coronavirus pneumonia. As of now, the cumulative total stands at 17,935 cases (including 17,193 cases ruled out), of which 77 have been confirmed (cases 68 to 77 reported on the 17th), comprising 50 imported cases and 27 local cases. Among the confirmed cases, there remains 1 fatality, 22 have been released from quarantine, while the rest are in stable condition and continue to be hospitalized in isolation.
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Cases 68 to 70 and case 73 reported on the 17th involve 2 women and 2 men, aged between their 20s and 60s, residing in northern and central Taiwan (2 cases each). They traveled to Turkey from March 4 to 13 (same group as cases 56, 57, and 65 to 67). One of them is asymptomatic and was sent for medical examination by health authorities. The other three began showing symptoms between March 7 and 14. After seeking medical attention and testing, they were all confirmed today. A total of 9 people in this tour group have now been confirmed, and 148 contacts have been identified. Efforts will continue to expand tracking and testing among other group members and related contacts.
Case 71 is a man in his 60s from northern Taiwan who participated in a group tour to Egypt from March 3 to 12 (same group as cases 55 and 63). Starting March 13, he developed symptoms including coughing, runny nose, and diarrhea. He sought medical attention on March 15, was diagnosed with pneumonia, tested, and confirmed today as the third case in that tour group. For this cluster, a total of 105 related contacts have been identified, and tracking efforts continue.
Case 72 is a woman in her 70s from southern Taiwan who traveled to Austria and the Czech Republic from March 5 to 14 with her family (case 61) on a group tour. On March 15, she developed a fever and showed signs of pneumonia. She was tested by a hospital and confirmed today as the second case in that tour group. A total of 56 related contacts have been identified, and tracking continues.
Case 74 is a man in his 30s from southern Taiwan who went on a self-guided trip to Iceland from February 25 to March 10 with seven relatives and friends. Upon returning to Taiwan, he developed toothache and general fatigue on March 14, and sought medical care on March 15. Due to his recent travel history abroad, he was tested and confirmed today. A preliminary 36 contacts have been identified, all of whom are currently asymptomatic. Tracking of other contacts will continue.
Case 75 is a man in his 20s from southern Taiwan who traveled to Germany from February 23 to March 8. After returning on March 8, he developed a runny nose. On March 11, he noticed loss of smell, visited a clinic on March 13, but when symptoms did not improve, sought further treatment at a hospital on March 16. He was diagnosed with pneumonia and tested, then confirmed today. Nine preliminary contacts have been identified and further tracking will continue.
Case 76 is a woman in her 30s from northern Taiwan who traveled to Paris, France from March 1 to 12 with two friends. She developed a sore throat starting March 12, a runny nose on March 15, and sought medical attention on March 16, after which she was tested and confirmed today. Four preliminary contacts have been identified so far (including fellow travelers), all asymptomatic. Further tracking will include passengers on the same flight and medical contacts.
Case 77 is a woman in her 60s from northern Taiwan who departed from Taiwan on January 20, transited through Dubai, and traveled to the Czech Republic. On March 7, she flew from the Czech Republic to New York, USA to visit family, arriving on March 16. On March 10, she developed a fever and diarrhea in New York, sought medical care on March 14, and upon returning to Taiwan on March 16, reported an itchy throat and cough, leading to immediate medical attention, testing, and confirmation today. Currently, no one in her New York family shows suspected symptoms. Further investigation will include passengers on the same flight and other medical contacts.
As of statistics on March 16, the global total of confirmed cases reached 179,588, spread across 145 countries/regions. The highest numbers of cases were in mainland China (80,881), Italy (27,980), Iran (14,991), Spain (9,191), and South Korea (8,236). Deaths totaled 7,086, with the most in mainland China (3,226), Italy (2,158), Iran (853), Spain (309), and France (148).