TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) announced eight flu deaths last week, bringing this flu season's death toll to 69, a 10-year high.
At a Tuesday press conference, CDC spokesperson Tseng Shu-hui (曾淑慧) said that between Dec. 8-14, 73,162 outpatient and emergency room visits were associated with the flu. Tseng said data indicates a flu outbreak is slowly rising and could enter the epidemic phase next week, per CNA.
Among the new severe flu cases was a 40-year-old in north Taiwan who suffered from diabetes but did not receive this season's flu vaccine. In early December, the individual developed a severe cough which developed into a fever, and he lost consciousness and was sent to the hospital.
CDC physician Lin Yung-ching (林詠青) said the individual was given antiviral drugs after being diagnosed with the influenza A (H1N1) virus. On the sixth day of hospitalization, his condition improved, and he was transferred out of the intensive care unit, though he is still in the hospital under observation.
Lin said that influenza A (H1N1) will affect not only the young and elderly but also those with chronic diseases. He reminded the public to be wary of this flu strain and pay attention to good hygiene.
CDC statistics show that as of Dec.16, about 5.626 million people have received publicly funded influenza vaccinations, an 85.4% vaccine rate. This is lower than the 6.173 million people who received vaccinations during this period last year.
In addition, the number of influenza vaccinations for people over age 65 is 43.3%, and the rate for preschoolers is 60.7%. Both age groups have not reached the CDC’s vaccination target.
Health authorities urged the public to get publicly funded flu vaccines. The government vaccination program has been expanded to all Taiwanese and foreign residents starting Jan 1.