WHO ‘refused to act’ on Taiwan’s virus alert
“On 31st December，in accordance with the 2005 International Health Regulations, an official from the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (Taiwan CDC) sent an email to the WHO focal point, informing them of online reports from China concerning “at least seven atypical pneumonia cases” in Wuhan.
According to the Taiwan CDC, the phrase “atypical pneumonia” is used in China to refer to SARS. In addition, the reference to “at least seven” is strikingly similar to Dr. Wen-Liang Li ’s WeChat message referenced above. Taiwan’s email to the WHO also noted that sick patients were being isolated for treatment, a sign of suspected human-to-human transmission. The Taiwan CDC requested the WHO share with them any relevant information. The only response from the WHO was a statement that Taiwan’s concerns were forwarded to expert colleagues but would not be posted on their internal website for the benefit of other Member States.”