Physician warns of prolonged immunity debt in Taiwan

TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Physician Huang Li-min from the Department of Pediatrics at National Taiwan University Hospital on Friday (Dec. 1) warned that Taiwan has been grappling with a persistent flu season since the beginning of the year. Three viruses, H1N1, H3N2, and influenza B, are concurrently spreading.

With reported child mortality cases this year, Huang emphasized the severity of the flu outbreak and projected an 'immunity debt' that could last two more years.

During a press conference with legislators and the Taipei Medical Association, Huang pointed out that Taiwan hasn't experienced a major Mycoplasma outbreak in four years. Coupled with the circulation of the disease in neighboring countries, there is a heightened risk of a Mycoplasma outbreak in Taiwan.

Huang urged the public to practice preventative measures such as vaccinations — including flu, COVID-19, and pneumococcal vaccines — and to adhere to public health guidelines like wearing masks, frequent hand washing, and maintaining a safe distance from those who are ill.

Since Nov. 26, Taiwan's Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has been implementing targeted surveillance and encouraging testing at international airports in Taipei, Taoyuan, Taichung, and Kaohsiung.

During the five days of monitoring, 52 passengers were tested, leading to the detection of 34 viruses. Out of these, 20 were influenza cases, eight were COVID-19 cases, three were adenoviruses, two were rhinovirus, and one was a parainfluenza virus. Additionally, 14 tests yielded negative results, while four are still in the detection phase.

Tseng Shu-hui, the CDC's Deputy Director-General, mentioned that the World Health Organization is monitoring the Mycoplasma situation in China, but no new pathogens have been identified.

While the Mycoplasma pandemic in China is showing a decline, authorities are closely monitoring the situation and urge the public to remain vigilant.