Taiwan on high alert against bird flu

Taiwan is on high alert against the H7N9 bird flu, and has set a special center to monitor the situation.

The island's disease control authority has urged airports to enhance checks on sick travelers, and to inquire on their recent places of travel. Taipei City Hospital has prepared 77 negative pressure isolation wards and fever observation rooms for patients who have contracted the H7N9 virus.

Twenty-two hospitals in Taiwan's response network are ready to deal with bird flu infections. So far, 20 suspected cases have been detected in Taiwan. 18 have tested positive, 2 are still under medical observation.