TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Centers for Disease Control said Tuesday that 9,978 individuals in Taiwan sought medical treatment for COVID-19 between May 4 and Saturday.

The center reported an upward trend in domestic COVID-19 cases, with medical visits increasing by 66% compared to the previous week. Among the cases, 34 involved severe complications, and six resulted in death, per CNA.

The center said that Taiwan has recorded 237 severe COVID-19 complication cases so far this year, including 43 deaths. The agency noted that most patients were 65 years and older, and 90% of the confirmed cases had not received the JN.1 vaccine.

CDC Spokesperson Lo Yi-chun (羅一鈞) said the number of confirmed cases has increased for five consecutive weeks, with the peak expected in June. He noted that last year’s peak occurred in July, when the weekly average of medical visits reached 134,000.

As of Sunday, nearly 2.1 million people in Taiwan had received the JN.1 COVID-19 vaccine. The center emphasized that while most COVID-19 cases are mild or asymptomatic, the risk of developing severe illness remains, and vaccination is the most effective way to prevent serious complications.

The center added that in children, a fever lasting more than two days or a high fever over 39 C accompanied by chills, difficulty breathing, persistent vomiting, or not eating or urinating for more than 12 hours may indicate severe COVID-19 complications.

Taiwan Infectious Diseases Society Chair Chang Feng-yee (張峰義) said that rising cases of COVID-19, influenza, and pneumococcal infections have led to increased antibiotic use, potentially contributing to the emergence of highly drug-resistant superbugs.

Chen Li-chun (陳立羣), an infectious diseases physician at Cathay General Hospital, reminded that washing hands with soap can remove more than 95% of bacteria and viruses, making it more effective than alcohol-based sanitizers.