Taiwan’s Centers for Disease Control (CDC) announced Tuesday that while COVID-19 infections continue to rise, the rate of increase has slowed significantly — indicating that the seasonal epidemic peak has likely passed earlier than expected. However, health officials have raised concerns about a surge in severe cases and deaths, including a tragic fatality involving a previously healthy 30-year-old man.
📈 Slowdown in Infections Signals Early Peak
From June 1–7, the CDC recorded 70,182 medical visits related to COVID-19, a 9.3% increase from the previous week. While still growing, this is a dramatic slowdown from the previous week’s 49% surge, leading officials to conclude that Taiwan’s seasonal COVID-19 peak has likely passed.
Originally, the CDC had forecasted the epidemic to peak around late June or early July, with a tapering-off projected to end around August 9. But the data now suggests the curve may flatten earlier, possibly resulting in a shorter outbreak duration this summer.
According to CDC spokesperson Lo Yi-chun, this year’s peak of 70,000 visits is significantly lower than the 132,000 recorded during the summer wave of 2023, suggesting that public immunity — either through past infection or vaccination — may be providing partial protection.
⚠️ Spike in Severe Cases and Deaths: Alarming Trend
Despite the slowing case growth, severe COVID-19 outcomes are on the rise. From June 3–9, 166 patients developed severe symptoms — the highest weekly total in 2025 — and 25 COVID-related deaths were reported during that same period.
A particularly sobering case was the death of a 30-year-old man in northern Taiwan, who had no known underlying health conditions and was unvaccinated. He initially showed symptoms of sore throat and body aches in late May and tested positive via a rapid antigen test. Despite being admitted to intensive care with suspected myocarditis, he was discharged at his own request.
He returned to the hospital three days later with neurological symptoms, including altered mental status, and was diagnosed with encephalitis. Unfortunately, his condition deteriorated rapidly, and he succumbed to severe meningoencephalitis caused by COVID-19 roughly 10 days after hospitalization.
This case has renewed urgency in public health messaging about the unpredictable severity of COVID-19, especially among unvaccinated individuals.
🧠 Expert Commentary: What This Means Going Forward
While the early peak is a positive sign, experts caution against complacency. Historically, milder summer outbreaks have been followed by stronger autumn or winter waves, often as immunity wanes or new variants emerge.
Dr. Huang Li-chung, an infectious disease expert from Taipei Medical University, noted:
“We may be seeing a false sense of security. A less intense summer wave does not mean the virus is done with us — if anything, it warns us to stay vigilant for what’s to come in the cooler months.”
Vaccination rates among younger populations remain low in Taiwan, partly due to the perception that COVID-19 is only dangerous for the elderly. This misconception is increasingly challenged by cases like the 30-year-old’s, prompting calls for a renewed vaccine campaign targeting younger, healthy adults.
🔮 Looking Ahead: What Should the Public Expect?
- Infection numbers may continue to fluctuate but are expected to stabilize.
- Healthcare pressure may temporarily increase due to the surge in severe cases.
- Vaccination drives could see a renewed push, especially ahead of the autumn season.
- Mask-wearing and personal hygiene are still recommended in high-risk areas, especially for immunocompromised individuals and the elderly.
The CDC advises the public not to let their guard down, and to consider booster shots, particularly for those who have not yet received any COVID-19 vaccines.
📌FAQs
Is COVID-19 still a concern in Taiwan?
Yes. While case numbers are stabilizing, the number of severe cases and deaths has recently surged, which remains a serious public health concern.
Why did the epidemic peak early this year?
Improved public immunity, virus seasonality, and possibly effective early interventions may have contributed to the early peak.
Should healthy young people get vaccinated?
Absolutely. Recent cases, including a healthy 30-year-old’s death, show that severe complications can occur in young, unvaccinated individuals.
Will there be another wave later this year?
Experts warn that a second wave may occur in the autumn or winter, especially if the virus mutates or immunity wanes.
What are the common symptoms now?
Sore throat, body aches, fever, and fatigue remain common. Neurological symptoms such as confusion, while rare, have been observed in severe cases.
