Taiwan Reports 148,000 Outpatient and ER Visits Due to Influenza With 122 in ICU and 21 Deaths in The Last Week
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Feb 19, 2025 1 day, 17 hours, 27 minutes ago
Medical News: Taiwan Faces Severe Influenza Outbreak
Taiwan is currently grappling with a significant influenza outbreak, with the Taiwanese Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reporting approximately 148,000 outpatient and emergency room visits related to flu-like symptoms in just one week. This figure, recorded between February 9 and February 15, 2025, is slightly lower than the previous week but still the second-highest recorded in the past decade for the same period.
Taiwan Reports 148,000 Outpatient and ER Visits Due to Influenza With 122 in ICU and 21 Deaths in The Last Week
According to laboratory data, the most common strain circulating in the community is influenza type A H1N1, which aligns with the vaccine administered this flu season. The Taiwanese CDC has attributed the continued spread of the virus to recent factors such as fluctuating temperatures, crowded events during the Lantern Festival, and the reopening of schools. With the increased activity and human contact, the likelihood of virus transmission remains high. The public is urged to remain vigilant and seek immediate medical attention if they experience severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, cyanosis (lack of oxygen), bloody or thick sputum, chest pain, confusion, low blood pressure, or a fever lasting more than 72 hours. This
Medical News report aims to provide an in-depth look at the current influenza situation and the measures being taken to control its spread.
Rising Cases of Severe Complications and Deaths
The Taiwanese CDC has confirmed that Taiwan is currently in the peak of its influenza season, with the number of severe flu-related complications remaining high. In the week of February 11 to February 17 alone, 122 new severe cases were reported, along with 21 deaths.
https://www.cdc.gov.tw/Bulletin/Detail/znEFeUmBBHwkZ6GIdgWtsQ?typeid=9
The majority of these cases were caused by the type A H1N1 strain. Since the start of the current flu season on October 1, 2024, a total of 917 severe cases have been recorded, with 858 linked to type A H1N1, 40 to type A H3N2, 8 cases of unclassified type A, and 11 cases of type B. Alarmingly, 56% of severe cases have been reported among individuals aged 65 and older.
A total of 181 flu-related deaths have been recorded this season, with 175 linked to type A H1N1, 4 to type A H3N2, and 2 to type B. The CDC also noted that an overwhelming 86% of the severe cases and 90% of the deaths occurred in individuals who had not received a flu vaccine this season. This highlights the critical role of vaccination in preventing severe flu complications and fatalities.
Influenza Trends Across the World
The influenza situation remains severe across various regions globally. The Taiwanese CDC has reported that flu activity is currently peaking in the Northern Hemisphere. Neighboring Hong Kong is experiencing a rising trend in cases, while Singapore and South Kor
ea have also exceeded epidemic thresholds. In China, flu cases are fluctuating, while Japan is seeing a slight decline. Meanwhile, Europe is at its peak flu season, and North America is still experiencing an upward trend. In Asia, the predominant strain is type A H1N1, whereas Europe is seeing a mix of type A H1N1 and type B, and the United States is reporting cases of both type A H1N1 and type A H3N2.
Taiwan Expands Influenza Vaccination Program
In response to the ongoing crisis, the Taiwanese CDC has distributed an additional 100,000 doses of flu vaccines across the country. These vaccines have been allocated to various medical facilities, including 233 hospitals, 1,749 clinics, and 298 health centers. Starting February 20, the additional vaccine doses will be available to the public at these designated locations.
The Taiwanese CDC has also announced a temporary suspension of vaccinations for frontline medical personnel to prioritize high-risk individuals. Beginning February 20, publicly funded flu vaccines will only be available to seniors aged 65 and above, Indigenous people aged 55 and above, residents of nursing homes, children aged six months to preschool age, individuals with underlying health conditions (including chronic illnesses, obesity with a BMI of 30 or above, rare diseases, and major injuries), pregnant women, parents of infants under six months old, healthcare workers, school staff, and those involved in poultry and livestock farming.
For individuals under the age of nine receiving the flu vaccine for the first time, two doses will be required, spaced at least four weeks apart. Everyone else will receive a single dose. The Taiwanese CDC is urging all eligible individuals who have not yet been vaccinated since October 1, 2024, to do so as soon as possible. Citizens can check the nearest vaccination centers through their local health department’s website and schedule an appointment for their shot.
Conclusion
The recent spike in flu cases and severe complications serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by seasonal influenza. The high number of hospitalizations and deaths, particularly among the elderly and those with underlying conditions, underscores the importance of timely vaccination and proper preventive measures. The Taiwanese CDC continues to emphasize the need for flu shots, especially given that most severe cases and fatalities involve unvaccinated individuals. As flu activity remains high across the globe, public health officials urge citizens to take precautions, including frequent handwashing, wearing masks in crowded areas, and seeking medical help if flu symptoms become severe. With proactive measures and increased awareness, Taiwan aims to curb the spread of the virus and protect its population from further harm.
For the latest Influenza News, keep on logging to Thailand
Medical News.
Read Also:
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/flu-deaths-surpassing-covid-19-mortality-rates-in-the-united-states
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/thailand-faces-rapid-increase-in-influenza-cases-nationwide-as-infections-reach-99057-along-with-9-deaths
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/germany-records-456-deaths-and-29694-hospitalizations-in-the-current-ongoing-influenza-season-which-is-worsening
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/minnesota-declares-emergency-as-multiple-avian-viruses-devastate-farms
https://www.thailandmedical.news/pages/thailand_doctors_listings
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