Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Jun 21, 2024 5 months, 17 hours, 14 minutes ago
COVID-19 News: The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Taiwan recently reported a significant surge in COVID-19 hospitalizations, with the number of cases nearly doubling within a week. This alarming trend coincides with the rise of newer subvariants and an overall increase in positive cases. Additionally, there has been a notable case of serious enterovirus infection in an infant, highlighting the broader public health challenges currently facing the nation.
COVID-19 Hospitalization Rate Doubles Within A Week In Taiwan
Sharp Increase in Hospitalizations and Deaths
Last week, the CDC reported that 623 individuals were hospitalized due to COVID-19, a substantial increase from the 329 cases recorded the previous week. Concurrently, the number of deaths rose from 20 to 38. According to Lee Chia-lin, Deputy Director of the CDC’s Epidemic Intelligence Center, people aged 65 and older have accounted for about 79 percent of hospitalizations and deaths this year, primarily due to underlying health conditions.
Dominance of New Subvariants
Genomic surveillance over the past four weeks indicates that the JN.1 subvariant remains the dominant strain in Taiwan, accounting for 54 percent of imported cases and 60 percent of local cases. However, there is a growing presence of newer subvariants, with 27 percent of imported cases and 13 percent of local cases infected with the KP.2 subvariant, and 6 percent of imported cases and 9 percent of local cases infected with KP.3.
Impact on Infants
The surge in hospitalizations has also affected infants, with two cases involving a three-month-old and an eight-month-old boy. Both infants, who were not vaccinated, developed pneumonia and required intensive care. Fortunately, both have since been discharged. CDC physician Lin Yung-ching emphasized the importance of early testing and seeking medical attention for cold-like symptoms, particularly in young children.
Low Vaccination Coverage
The CDC highlighted that the coverage of the XBB.1.5-adapted COVID-19 vaccine remains relatively low at 11.4 percent. Deputy Director-General Tseng Shu-hui stressed the importance of vaccination in providing protection against severe complications and deaths, especially in light of the more contagious emerging subvariants. The CDC anticipates that COVID-19 activity will peak in August or September.
Enterovirus Concerns
In addition to COVID-19, Taiwan is also dealing with enterovirus infections. Last week saw 17,634 hospital visits for enterovirus, a slight decrease from the previous week. A six-month-old girl developed serious complications from the enterovirus, including spasms, and was hospitalized for nine days. This case underscores the need for vigilance and proper hygiene practices, particularly among caregivers of young children.
Preventative Measures
Lin Yung-ching advised caregivers to change their clothes and thoroughly wash their hands upon returning home and before approaching young children. Frequent handwashing, especially before meals, after using the toilet, and after visiting clini
cs or hospitals, is crucial. Children under five are at higher risk of severe complications from enterovirus, so caregivers should watch for signs of serious illness and seek emergency treatment if needed.
Rising Global Cases
On the international front, the CDC reported a global increase in COVID-19 cases, with a 9.7 percent positivity rate from May 27 to June 2. The JN.1 variant continues to be dominant, but the KP.2 and KP.3 variants are rapidly increasing. Lee Chia-lin reminded the public that those who have been previously infected or vaccinated with older versions of the vaccine might still be susceptible to reinfection.
Vaccine Efficacy and Public Health Advice
According to local
COVID-19 News coverages, Tseng Shu-hui encouraged the public to get vaccinated with the XBB.1.5 vaccine, which maintains an effectiveness of 50 to 60 percent in preventing infection and 60 to 80 percent in preventing severe cases.
https://focustaiwan.tw/society/202406180016
https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2024/06/19/2003819576
The vaccine also reduces mortality by 60 to 70 percent. Despite the emergence of new variants, vaccination remains a critical tool in combating the spread and severity of COVID-19.
Looking Ahead
As Taiwan navigates this challenging period, the CDC's updates and guidelines are crucial for public safety. The rise in hospitalizations and the emergence of new variants underscore the importance of continued vigilance, vaccination, and adherence to health guidelines. The expected peak in COVID-19 activity later in the year will test the resilience of Taiwan's healthcare system and public health policies.
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