Taipei: COVID-19 cases are experiencing a significant surge in Taiwan, with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) describing the ongoing wave of infections as "rapid and intense." The outbreak is expected to continue through the end of July, with related outpatient and emergency visits having already increased sharply.

According to Focus Taiwan, 19,097 COVID-19-related outpatient and emergency visits were reported between May 11 and 17, marking an 88.2 percent increase from the previous week. This rise represents the sixth consecutive weekly increase, although the total remains below the figures recorded during the same period last year. CDC spokesperson Lo Yi-chun indicated that the number of visits could potentially double by the end of the week, with a peak anticipated in mid to late June.

Lo attributes the surge to a shift in Omicron-related variants, specifically the emergence of the NB.1.8.1 variant from the XDV lineage, which has overtaken the previously dominant XEC variant. This new variant has stronger immune evasion capabilities and higher transmissibility, contributing to the rapid increase in cases. Additionally, the waning immunity from previous infections and increased public testing awareness are considered factors in the rising case numbers.

Hwang Kao-pin from China Medical University Hospital notes that while the variants driving the current outbreak are more contagious, they are not causing more severe symptoms than previous variants. Common symptoms continue to include cough, runny nose, fever, and body aches, though severe throat inflammation is more frequently reported.

Despite the challenges posed by the new variants, Lo assures that the COVID-19 vaccines based on the JN.1 variant, currently offered by the CDC, remain effective. Antiviral medications also continue to be effective against the XDV lineage variants.

The CDC is actively providing JN.1-based vaccines to individuals aged 6 months and older, with specific eligibility criteria for high-risk groups. Public demand for vaccination has increased, with 19,189 doses administered in a recent three-day period. The Taiwan Food and Drug Administration (TFDA) is also working with manufacturers and retailers to ensure the availability of rapid test kits across the country.