Taiwan’s Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has ordered health authorities in 22 counties and cities to simulate an outbreak of the Zika virus by the end February.
Although no cases of the virus have been reported in Taiwan, the CDC held a meeting with county officials on Monday to deal with the possible threat. During the meeting, the CDC introduced the epidemic, characteristics of the mosquito-born virus, and Taiwan’s prevention policies.
The CDC will simulate the reporting of the first positive case as well as the implementation of prevention measures. Officials say that the simulation will help them to better coordinate resources in the event of an outbreak.
At least 40 countries and territories have been infected with the incurable disease, with most cases found in Central and South America, as well as in the Caribbean. The CDC has issued a travel alert for the affected areas.
Sporadic cases have been reported in Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and the Gabonese Republic in Africa.