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Taiwan extends free flu medication program to March 31
Taiwan’s CDC extends free flu antiviral program to March 31 amid ongoing flu and diarrhea outbreaks. Flu cases show a decline, but the virus remains prevalent.
2025/03/05 08:00
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Youngest flu fatality in Taiwan: boy under 10 dies
Taiwan CDC reports a surge in flu cases with 128 severe cases and 28 deaths, including a boy under 10. Experts stress flu vaccination to prevent severe outcomes.
2025/02/12 10:36
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Taiwan flu cases hit record high in second week of season
Taiwan’s CDC reports a record high in flu cases with 139,000 medical visits from Jan. 5-11. The agency urges vaccinations amid rising severe cases and deaths.
2025/01/14 14:42
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Yunlin County steps up bird flu fight amid outbreaks
Discover how Yunlin County is tackling avian flu outbreaks by urging poultry farmers to boost biosecurity amid high temperatures affecting bird immunity. Learn about the recent cases and prevention efforts.
2024/07/08 16:48
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Taiwan expands access to publicly-funded flu antivirals
Discover the latest on Taiwan’s flu season, including the rise in H1N1 cases, severe outcomes, and the expanded access to publicly-funded antivirals. Stay informed on prevention tips.
2024/06/26 14:20
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Taiwan battles triple virus outbreak, including COVID surge
Discover how Tainan is leading the way in outdoor education safety and curriculum development, making it the first among Taiwan’s six municipalities to implement new regulations.
2024/06/26 10:49
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Taiwan hit by wave of viruses, hospitals at capacity
Explore the latest on Taiwan’s health crisis as it battles a surge in virus cases, including COVID-19 and influenza, leading to overcrowded hospitals. Learn why experts urge mask-wearing and vaccination.
2024/05/27 11:55
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Taiwan braces for dual outbreak ahead of Lunar New Year
A surge in respiratory illnesses, including influenza and COVID-19, has overwhelmed emergency departments in Taipei. Pulmonologist Su I-feng warns the public to closely monitor their health due to the widespread COVID-19 outbreak. The Taiwan CDC predicts a peak in flu and COVID-19 cases before the Lunar New Year. Concerns arise about a possible shortage of medical staff during this period, particularly in the emergency system. Hsieh Tsung-hsueh, director of the Pediatric Emergency Department at Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, has already deployed staff to prepare for a potential massive influenza outbreak.
2024/01/26 18:02
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Taiwan battles decade-high flu epidemic with over 127K cases
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reported a high flu epidemic, with 127,000 emergency visits due to influenza-like illnesses caused by adenoviruses and influenza viruses. In the span of a week, there were 42 new severe flu complications, including cases of Type A H1N1, Type A H3N2, and Type B. The patients ranged in age from less than 10 years old to over 90 years old, with 30 cases where influenza vaccinations were not received. Eleven deaths were reported during this period, with victims from Type A H1N1, Type A H3N2, and Type B influenza. Eight of the fatalities did not receive flu vaccinations, and the youngest death was a 7-year-old girl from the north, making her the youngest fatality of 2024.
2024/01/16 17:56
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Taiwan’s Type B flu cases rise as Lunar New Year nears
Taiwan’s Centers for Disease Control (CDC) warns of a potential flu epidemic around the Lunar New Year due to an increase in Type B influenza infections. Over 6 million government-funded flu vaccines have been administered, with a vaccination rate exceeding 50% among senior citizens. Several counties have reached the target vaccination rate of 55% for seniors. Influenza outpatient and emergency department visits have shown a recent downward trend, but adenoviruses remain the leading respiratory pathogens. H3N2 is more prevalent than H1N1, with a rising proportion of Type B influenza cases. There have been 14 new severe influenza complications and three additional deaths, mainly affecting individuals with chronic illnesses who were unvaccinated. As of December 11, 6.098 million public-funded flu vaccine doses have been administered, achieving a vaccination rate of 50.4%. Officials urge eligible citizens to promptly get vaccinated, as approximately 500,000 doses of government-funded flu vaccine remain.
2023/12/12 16:59
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Taiwan detects mycoplasma infection in teen traveler
The Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has reported the first case of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection in a child detected during airport screening. A teenage boy developed a fever upon arriving from mainland China on December 4 and tested positive for the pathogen the following day. This detection has raised concerns amid an outbreak of respiratory illnesses in mainland China. The CDC has initiated targeted surveillance at the country’s four major international airports, urging travelers to undergo voluntary testing. Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections account for only 1.2 percent of the cases identified through airport screenings, indicating a downward trend overall. The current respiratory diseases in mainland China are predominantly attributed to influenza viruses, with Mycoplasma infections declining. Health officials have reassured the public that airport testing protocols will continue and are expected to be maintained through the Lunar New Year period to ensure monitoring of incoming travelers and the containment of potential infectious diseases.
2023/12/09 15:24
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Respiratory illness to tsurge in China during winter: CDC
Taiwan’s CDC warns that respiratory illness cases in China may peak around Lunar New Year due to multiple pathogens affecting the northern regions. The CDC emphasizes that the surge is not caused by a single agent and poses challenges across different age groups. In addition to mycoplasma, other infectious threats like influenza and COVID-19 should not be ignored. To prepare for increased cross-strait travel, the CDC urges vaccination against flu and COVID-19, especially for the elderly and young children with weaker immune systems. Non-essential trips to China are recommended to be postponed as a precautionary health measure.
2023/11/27 17:56
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Flu case surge prompts vaccination plea from physicians
Physicians are urging the public to get vaccinated against the flu as cold and flu cases surge in Taiwan amid cooling weather. Even healthcare providers are being impacted by the rapid spread of a virulent seasonal virus. ENT Dr. Chang Yi-Hao fell ill with gastroenteritis in late October, experiencing two days of fever. The virus has been particularly aggressive over the past few months. Chang emphasized the importance of vaccination, especially for the elderly, individuals with chronic diseases, and young children with weaker immune systems. Wearing face masks has become routine due to COVID-19, but with the easing of restrictions, there has been a rise in flu and respiratory virus infections. Physicians stress the need for vaccination, particularly for those with lower resistance to disease.
2023/11/16 21:02
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Health experts warn of potential triple outbreak in fall
Several health experts predicted on Thursday (Oct. 12) that by the end of 2023, a combined outbreak of COVID-19, influenza, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) might occur, with the average daily number of COVID-19 cases reaching up to 24,000.
2023/10/12 16:41