COVID-19 Enters Epidemic Phase! 25 New Local Severe Cases and 5 Deaths Last Week – CDC Urges Public to Use Remaining 450,000 Vaccine Doses

Domestic COVID-19 infections in Taiwan continue to rise and have reached epidemic thresholds. Last week, emergency and outpatient visits totaled 4,766, a 66.5% increase from 2,862 the previous week, marking six consecutive weeks of growth. Additionally, 25 new local severe cases and five deaths were reported last week, indicating a surging 'summer wave' of infections. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that the peak of this outbreak may occur in mid-to-late August. The nationwide free vaccination campaign continues until July 31, and the public is urged to take advantage of this limited window to get vaccinated.

Severe cases are primarily among elderly individuals and those with chronic illnesses, with over 90% not having received this season's vaccine. CDC Deputy Director-General Tseng Shu-hui stated that since October 2025, there have been 161 cumulative local cases of severe COVID-19 complications, including 23 deaths. Most severe cases involve individuals aged 65 and older or those with pre-existing chronic conditions, and as many as 92.5% had not received this season’s COVID-19 vaccine. Common symptoms include upper respiratory tract issues such as fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, and general fatigue. Over the past four weeks, the NB.1.8.1 variant has been the dominant strain among local cases.

Tseng explained that this is the eighth wave of the Omicron variant. Due to prior vaccination or infection in some individuals, the CDC estimates that peak emergency and outpatient visits during mid-to-late August may reach up to 50,000 per week—lower than the same period in the past three years—but vigilance remains essential.

Dr. Lin Yung-ching, Director of the CDC’s Epidemic Prevention Office, reported that among last week’s local deaths was a woman from southern Taiwan with a history of dementia and neurological disorders. Her last vaccine dose was five years ago. In late June, she developed fever, cough, and general fatigue, seeking care at a clinic without improvement. By July, she was hospitalized with abnormal kidney function, elevated liver enzymes, and bilateral pneumonia. She passed away one week later due to acute respiratory failure caused by COVID-19, with additional complications of acute kidney injury and liver failure.

Tseng noted that approximately 450,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccines remain in stock, including Moderna and Novavax brands. A second dose can be administered if at least six months have passed since the last vaccination. Studies indicate that receiving the current season’s vaccine can reduce the risk of emergency or outpatient visits by 48% to 50% and lower hospitalization risk by 53% to 55%.

She also reminded the public that the currently dominant NB.1.8.1 variant primarily causes upper respiratory symptoms such as sore throat and cough. Parents are advised to encourage children to wear masks voluntarily when attending summer camps or visiting crowded gatherings during the vacation period.