Taiwan Reports Surge in COVID-19-Deaths and ICU Admissions as Prolonged COVID-19 Wave Shows No Signs of Peaking
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Jun 18, 2025 2 weeks, 6 days, 11 hours, 46 minutes ago
Medical News: Highest Weekly Death Toll in 2025 So Far
Taiwan is grappling with a stubborn COVID-19 outbreak that, while showing a slight decrease in overall infections, continues to claim more lives each week. According to data released by the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (CDC) on Tuesday, the week from June 10 to June 16 saw 38 new COVID-19-related deaths—the highest weekly toll recorded so far in 2025. While the number of outpatient and emergency visits fell by 6.2% to 66,951 cases between June 8 and June 14, ICU admissions has increased and the outbreak remains intense, with serious cases still high across the country.
Taiwan Reports Surge in COVID-19-Deaths and ICU Admissions as Prolonged COVID-19 Wave
Shows No Signs of Peaking
One of the most tragic stories behind these figures was that of a young man in his 20s, who became the youngest person in Taiwan to die from COVID-19 this year. This
Medical News report details his heartbreaking experience and what health officials believe led to his untimely death. According to Taiwan’s CDC physician Dr. Lin Yung-ching, the man had no known underlying health issues but did have a childhood history of meningitis. He had received three doses of the COVID-19 vaccine in 2022 but had not received the newer JN.1 variant booster.
From Mild Symptoms to Tragic Decline
The man first showed symptoms in late May, including an intermittent low-grade fever and vomiting. After seeking medical care several times with no significant improvement, he was hospitalized at the end of the month. By then, he was suffering from full-body weakness and extreme drowsiness. Doctors suspected a central nervous system infection and transferred him to intensive care. Despite being treated with antibodies and antitoxins, his condition worsened rapidly. He was diagnosed with COVID-19-induced encephalitis, which soon led to kidney failure, coagulation dysfunction, and ultimately multiple organ failure. He passed away in early June, just two weeks after his first symptoms appeared.
Prolonged Surge
Taiwanese CDC spokesperson Lo Yi-chun stated that the outbreak, which began around May 25, is expected to maintain its current plateau until late July or early August before potentially declining. The CDC estimates a total of about 420,000 cases during this wave. Despite early claims by certain health officals who wer trying to downplay the situation in Taiwan, there has been no peak in COVID-19 infections yet and the it seems that this is a prolonged surge that might not even peak in August as newer variants that are even more immune evasive and transmissible are quickly emerging.
Outlook and Urgent Precautions
While the slight dip in weekly cases provides a glimmer of hope, experts caution that the fight is far from over. The presence of severe cases and rising fatalities highlights the unpredictable and dangerous nature of the current COVID-19 wave in Taiwan. Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant, especially the elderly and immunocompr
omised.
In conclusion, Taiwan's ongoing COVID-19 situation remains deeply concerning despite a minor decrease in new infections. The record-high death toll this past week is a grim reminder that the virus continues to pose a serious threat, especially to those without updated vaccinations. Public health officials emphasize the importance of timely vaccination with the JN.1 booster to prevent further loss of life. As Taiwan navigates this challenging phase, community cooperation and awareness remain crucial tools in curbing the virus’ impact.
Media References:
https://news.tvbs.com.tw/english/2905074
https://focustaiwan.tw/society/202506170023
For the latest COVID-19 News, keep on logging to Thailand
Medical News.
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