Taiwan 6th wave of COVID outbreak: 623 confirmed cases in one week and 38 deaths

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Taiwan 6th wave of COVID outbreak: 623 confirmed cases in one week and 38 deaths

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Taiwan 6th wave of COVID outbreak: 623 confirmed cases in one week and 38 deaths.

Taiwan is currently experiencing its sixth wave of the COVID-19 outbreak. The Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (CDC) announced on June 18th that 623 new local COVID-19 cases (with complications) were reported last week, doubling from the previous week. Among children, most cases are mild, but about 5% to 10% may require hospitalization due to conditions such as croup or pneumonia.

Cases Double in One Week

According to Li Jialin, Deputy Director of the CDC’s Epidemic Center, from June 11 to 17, 623 new local COVID-19 cases (with complications) were recorded, up from 329 the previous week. Among these cases, 79% of the complications were in individuals aged 65 and older. Additionally, there were 38 new deaths last week, up from 20 the previous week, with 90% of the deaths occurring in those aged 65 and older. Taiwan’s epidemic is on the rise and is currently in a period of widespread transmission.

Li Jialin also noted that the latest four-week monitoring data on variants shows that “JN.1” is the dominant strain detected both locally and from abroad, accounting for 60% and 54% of cases, respectively. Other prevalent variants include “KP.2” and “KP.3.”

Dr. Cheng Jiehan, a former pediatrician at Mackay Memorial Hospital, shared on her Facebook page that there has been a surge in outpatient visits recently, with many adults also experiencing fevers. Among her patients, about 10% to 20% have significant fevers (over 38°C), and among five patients with fever, four tested positive for COVID-19 and one for influenza A.

Hospitalization of Children with Complications

Dr. Zhang Luanying, Deputy Director of the Pediatric Department at National Taiwan University Hospital, stated that most children with COVID-19 have mild symptoms. However, some children develop complications such as croup or pneumonia, affecting their airways and requiring hospitalization. The hospitalization rate for children with complications is generally around 5% to 10%.

Dr. Zhang emphasized that severe cases are often related to underlying conditions, such as congenital heart disease, making these children more susceptible to respiratory failure due to COVID-19. While the current situation is not as severe as in 2022, when many children suffered from severe encephalitis, this improvement is likely due to vaccination.

She advised that if children exhibit symptoms like hoarseness, a barking cough, noisy breathing, chest retractions, difficulty eating or sleeping, dehydration, reduced urine output, lethargy, or decreased activity, they should seek medical attention promptly.

Related Reports:

– COVID-19 Variant KP.2 May Become Dominant, Taiwan CDC Warns of Increased Spread During Summer

Severe Symptoms in Two Groups

Former pediatrician at National Taiwan University Hospital, Wu Qiying, known as “Blue Dove,” analyzed that individuals who have not been vaccinated or previously infected tend to exhibit more severe symptoms, including high fever and body aches. Conversely, those who have been vaccinated or previously infected usually experience milder symptoms, similar to a common cold.

The Taiwan CDC also reminds the public to use home COVID-19 test kits if they experience symptoms like fever, cough, runny nose, or sore throat, and to report the test results to their healthcare provider to aid diagnosis. Given the recent rise in cases, getting the XBB vaccine is the most effective way to reduce the risk of severe illness or death. People aged six months and older are urged to get vaccinated as soon as possible.

For those aged 65 and older, or individuals with immunodeficiencies or weakened immune systems, the CDC recommends a second dose for those who have received one dose and waited 12 weeks (84 days) to enhance protection and reduce the chance of severe illness or death. This applies to those aged 65 and older, Indigenous people aged 55 to 64, and individuals aged six months and older with immunodeficiencies or weakened immune systems.

Taiwan 6th wave of COVID outbreak: 623 confirmed cases in one week and 38 deaths

Reference:

Taiwan’s new coronavirus outbreak surges in one week with 623 confirmed cases and 38 deaths

(source:internet, reference only)

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