Taiwan is currently grappling with its most severe influenza outbreak in nearly a decade,with the Department of Disease Control reporting a staggering 162,000 emergency department visits in the fourth week of this year alone. This marks the highest number of cases in the past ten influenza seasons, signaling a critical public health challenge.
Dr. huang Limin,chief physician of the Pediatric Department at National Taiwan University Hospital,highlighted the unusual nature of this year’s outbreak. “according to past experience, the influenza epidemic begins to decline after the New Year,” he stated in an interview with the Central News Agency. However, this year’s first wave of infections shows no signs of abating, defying historical trends.
Two key factors are driving this unprecedented situation. First, Taiwan’s typical influenza season, which runs from December to February, is now overlapping with a potential second wave expected from February to May. “The worst-case scenario is that the first wave hasn’t substantially cooled, and the second wave follows promptly,” Huang explained. Second, unlike previous years where two influenza virus types circulated concurrently, this season is dominated by a single strain, A H1N1, which complicates containment efforts.
The data underscores the severity of the crisis. From October 1, 2024, to February 2, 2025, there have been 641 confirmed cases, with 599 attributed to H1N1. Alarmingly, 54% of these cases involved severe complications, and 132 resulted in fatalities. Over 90% of these severe cases and deaths occurred among individuals who had not received this season’s flu vaccine.
the Department of Disease Control has emphasized the importance of vaccination, noting that 6.78 million doses of public influenza vaccines have been administered as January 1, 2025. “Those who have not yet been vaccinated are urged to do so as soon as possible, especially high-risk groups,” the department stated. Medical institutions continue to offer self-funded vaccination services for those in need.
As the Spring Festival holiday concludes, health officials anticipate a surge in cases during the sixth week. The situation remains fluid, and the public is advised to remain vigilant. With the influenza season far from over, Taiwan faces a critical juncture in its fight against this persistent and deadly virus.
Key statistics (2024/10/1 – 2025/2/2)
| Metric | Number |
|————————–|——————|
| Total Cases | 641 |
| H1N1 Cases | 599 |
| Severe Cases | 346 (54%) |
| Fatalities | 132 |
| Unvaccinated Fatalities | >90% |
For more information on influenza trends and vaccination efforts, visit the Department of Disease Control.