TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's Centers for Disease Control (CDC, 疾管署) announced on Tuesday (March 4) an extension of the free flu antiviral medication program for individuals showing flu-like symptoms and having close contacts with similar cases. This extension, initially set to end on March 15, will now continue until March 31.
CDC Epidemic Intelligence Center Deputy Director Lee Chia-lin (李佳琳) reported that approximately 115,000 outpatient and emergency visits for flu-like symptoms occurred last week, indicating a downward trend. However, the flu remains prevalent, with laboratory data identifying influenza viruses, predominantly Influenza A H1N1, as the main respiratory pathogens in the community.
Last week, 64 severe flu cases and 13 deaths were added. CDC physician Lin Yung-ching (林詠青) detailed the youngest fatality, a man in his 30s from central Taiwan, who had underlying conditions such as gout and heart disease. He did not receive the flu vaccine this season and succumbed to the illness despite antiviral treatment.
Diarrhea-related visits also decreased, with 275,000 cases reported. However, 344 cluster cases were noted over the past four weeks, marking the highest in five years. Norovirus accounted for 95.6% of the 180 positive pathogen cases, primarily in the food and hospitality sectors.
