Taiwan Enters New COVID-19 Epidemic Phase as Hospital Visits Surge 66.5 Percent and Death Toll Rises
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Jul 24, 2026 1 hour, 16 minutes ago
Medical News:
COVID-19 Cases Climb Sharply Across Taiwan
Taiwan has officially entered a new COVID-19 epidemic phase after a sharp rise in infections pushed thousands of people to seek medical care within a single week. According to Taiwan's Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 4,766 individuals sought treatment for COVID-19 between July 12 and July 18, representing a dramatic 66.5 percent increase compared to the previous reporting period. This Medical News report highlights growing concerns that healthcare facilities are once again facing mounting pressure as patient numbers continue to climb. Experts predict that at least more than a 100,000 people are possible infected with the virus and are walking around oblivious they have been infected as majority are untested and are only experiencing very mild symptoms during initial acute infection stages but worryingly many will also see more serious symptoms down the following weeks as what is currently being seen among many patients who sought treatment at hospitals.
Taiwan enters a new COVID-19 epidemic phase as infections surge, hospitals face mounting pressure, and health officials
intensify public health warnings
Health authorities warned that the latest wave is placing increasing strain on hospitals, while severe cases and fatalities are also rising. The resurgence comes as many people travel and attend large public gatherings during the summer holiday season, creating favorable conditions for further virus transmission.
Severe Cases and Deaths Continue to Increase
During the roughly corresponding period of July 14 to July 20, Taiwan recorded 25 new domestic cases involving severe COVID-19 complications. Sadly, five people died from the disease during the same reporting period, according to CDC spokesperson Tseng Shu-hui.
Since October 2025, Taiwan has accumulated 161 severe COVID-19 cases and 23 deaths. Although the current figures remain below the peaks seen during earlier pandemic waves, health officials are closely monitoring the situation as the outbreak continues to accelerate.
NB.1.8.1 Variant Remains the Dominant Strain
The CDC confirmed that the NB.1.8.1 variant has remained Taiwan's dominant circulating strain for the past four consecutive weeks. Globally, NB.1.8.1 is also the predominant variant, followed by XFG and JN.1.
Patients infected with the current variant most commonly experience sore throat, persistent cough, nasal congestion or runny nose, fever, fatigue, headaches and muscle aches. Only a small proportion of patients have reported temporary loss or impairment of smell or taste.
Authorities Stress Vaccination and Treatment Preparedness
Taiwanese health authorities emphasized that sufficient medical resources remain available despite the surge. Current stockpiles include publicly funded oral Paxlovid sufficient to treat approximately 113,000 patients, around 18,000 treatment courses of Xocova, and 155,000 doses of injectable Remdesivir.
The CDC has also expanded eligibility for publicly funded COVID-19 vaccination to everyo
ne aged six months and older through July 31. Citing studies conducted in the United States and Canada, officials said current vaccines remain effective at reducing infections and provide roughly 50 percent protection against severe disease.
Meanwhile, COVID-19 activity is also increasing across several parts of Asia, including China, Hong Kong, Japan and South Korea. The CDC noted that positivity rates continue rising throughout the Western Pacific region, while trends in most other parts of the world remain relatively stable or show slight declines.
Authorities continue urging frequent handwashing, proper respiratory etiquette, and mask use in healthcare settings, crowded indoor environments, and when interacting with elderly or immunocompromised individuals.
The latest developments demonstrate that COVID-19 continues evolving as a significant public health challenge, with rising infections, increasing hospital admissions and persistent severe cases underscoring the importance of vaccination, early treatment, continued surveillance and responsible public health measures to reduce further transmission and protect vulnerable populations.
Reference:
https://www.cdc.gov.tw/En/Category/ListContent/EmXemht4IT-IRAPrAnyG9A?uaid=u3YrvIQXQrOtbJXDXxFxQg
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