Rising Trend in Flu and Enterovirus Epidemics: An Alert from Taiwan’s CDC

Rising Trend in Flu and Enterovirus Epidemics: An Alert from Taiwan’s CDC

Autumn Ushers in a Surge in Flu and Enterovirus Epidemics

As the season transitions into autumn, the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has reported an increasing trend in flu and enterovirus epidemics. The public is advised to maintain good epidemic prevention habits, such as washing hands frequently and staying at home when unwell.

Flu Epidemic: An Emerging Public Health Concern

The flu epidemic is on the rise, with 7 new severe flu deaths reported last week. The CDC urges people to seek medical attention immediately if they experience symptoms such as difficulty breathing or cyanosis. The current flu season is in full swing, with 102,087 flu-related emergency room visits last week. The number of reported clusters of upper respiratory infections has also increased. 83% of the 65 reported cases last week were from school clusters, with the flu virus being the main cause.

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Severe Complications and Deaths

Last week, 35 new severe flu complications were added, with patients ranging in age from under 10 to over 80. 27 cases had a history of chronic illness, and 31 had not received this season’s flu vaccine. Additionally, seven deaths were reported, all of whom had a history of chronic illness, and four had not received this season’s flu vaccine. As of September 18, 2023, a total of 699 cases of severe flu complications have been reported, with the majority being in individuals over 65. 83% had not received this season’s flu vaccine, and 81% had a history of chronic illness.

The Importance of Good Hygiene and Vaccination

The CDC stresses the importance of good hygiene, wearing masks when experiencing flu-like symptoms, and staying home when sick. The public is urged to seek medical attention if they experience symptoms such as difficulty breathing, rapid breathing, or cyanosis.

The Enterovirus Epidemic: A Rising Threat

As for the enterovirus epidemic, the CDC reported an increase of 5% in emergency room visits last week compared to the previous week, with the number of visits still exceeding the epidemic threshold. The virus is highly infectious and can easily spread in places with frequent human interaction, such as homes, schools, and childcare centers.

High Risk in Infants and Children Under Five

The CDC emphasizes that infants and children under five are at a high risk of severe enterovirus infection. If symptoms such as lethargy, impaired consciousness, weakness or paralysis in the limbs, muscle twitching, continuous vomiting, and rapid breathing or heart rate are observed, immediate medical attention should be sought.

Preventing the Spread of Infections

The CDC urges parents and childcare workers to teach children good hygiene habits and to maintain ventilation and regular cleaning in homes and learning environments. The public is reminded that some patients may become potential sources of infection due to their mild symptoms, similar to those of a common cold. Therefore, people are advised to pay special attention to their own and their infants’ hygiene habits.

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More Information and Resources

For more information, the public can visit the CDC’s website or call the free domestic epidemic prevention hotline.