TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan is experiencing a notable uptick in COVID-19 cases as the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (CDC, 疾病管制署) recorded 9,978 outpatient visits between May 4 and 10. Health officials project that the pandemic will reach its zenith for the year in June. Epidemic Intelligence Center (疫情中心) Deputy Director Lee Chia-lin (李佳琳) reported on Tuesday (May 13) a 66% week-over-week increase in medical visits, though current figures remain substantially lower than last year's peak of 23,324 visits.
The health agency documented 34 severe local COVID-19 cases and six fatalities across the island from May 6 to 11. Lin Yung-ching (林詠青), a physician with the CDC, detailed a particularly concerning case involving an unvaccinated 11-month-old boy from southern Taiwan who developed croup, a respiratory condition requiring intensive care. The infant initially presented with fever and common cold symptoms in early May before his condition deteriorated, manifesting as severe coughing and hoarseness.
The infant's parents sought medical attention three days after initial symptoms appeared, at which point physicians diagnosed croup and detected dangerously low blood oxygen saturation. Medical tests confirmed the condition as a severe COVID-19 complication, though the child has since recovered and been discharged following treatment. CDC spokesperson Lo Yi-chun (羅一鈞) noted that infection rates have climbed for five consecutive weeks, currently reaching approximately 40% of last year's levels, with June projected as the peak period.
Health authorities are strongly advising parents to obtain prompt medical care for children exhibiting serious symptoms following COVID-19 infection. Vaccination efforts continue across Taiwan, with 2.099 million doses of the updated JN.1 variant-targeted vaccine administered as of May 11, resulting in an overall vaccination rate of 8.75%. Elderly vaccination statistics reveal disparities, with 18.2% of those 65 and older having received their first dose of the latest vaccine, while only 0.33% have completed their second dose. ★
