TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Severe pediatric pneumonia cases have tripled in Taiwan this summer, and doctors said a fever that persists for three days is a warning sign.
In the past two weeks, respiratory infections have surged among children, and severe pneumonia cases have increased significantly, putting substantial pressure on outpatient clinics and emergency departments, per TVBS. Hsieh Chin-tung (謝錦桐), director of pediatrics at Lotung Po-Ai Hospital, was cited on Tuesday (Aug. 20) by the news agency as saying most of the infected patients are preschool-aged children.
Hsieh said these children were well-protected during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, after the lifting of restrictions, their immune systems could not withstand numerous other viruses.
Hsieh observed that since the start of summer vacation, respiratory pathogens have been circulating simultaneously, with the most common being Streptococcus pneumoniae and Mycoplasma. However, there have also been cases of human metapneumovirus, respiratory syncytical virus (RSV), COVID-19, and adenovirus.
These viruses can cause anything from mild respiratory infections and coughs to pneumonia in severe cases. In recent weeks, emergency rooms have been seeing a high number of patients requiring hospitalization, leading to full wards and longer waiting times for beds.
Hsieh said this wave of infections is not only characterized by viruses but also more severe cases. Previously, about one in 10 cases of pneumonia would progress to severe pneumonia, but now that rate has increased by three to four times.
Current cases show large white areas on X-rays, indicating severe infection. Mycoplasma, in particular, has become more difficult to treat due to mutations leading to antibiotic resistance.
Hsieh said the affected age group in this wave includes preschoolers to middle school students, with preschool children making up the majority. Currently, 3-5-year-olds born during the pandemic do not have their immune systems "fully trained."
After COVID restrictions were lifted, they were exposed to a large number of viruses and became infected, said Hsieh.
Lotung Po-Ai Hospital warned that early symptoms of pneumonia could be mistaken for a common cold. If a fever persists for three days, accompanied by cough, rapid breathing, or lethargy, one should seek medical attention.
The hospital also urged the public to return to previous epidemic prevention habits, such as frequent hand washing, wearing masks, and avoiding crowded public places. COVID-19 vaccines are available, and flu vaccines will be available in October.
Parents of young children and high-risk groups should monitor vaccine availability. Pneumococcal vaccines are routine vaccinations for children, and infants aged 6-11 months can receive an additional dose after a doctor’s evaluation.
