By Lee I-chia / Staff reporterThe number of emergency hospital visits for flu-like illness has exceeded the epidemic threshold, marking the start of the flu epidemic period in the nation, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) said yesterday. There were also 55 cases of serious flu complications, including five deaths, confirmed last week, the highest weekly number since the flu season began in October, he said, adding that most of the cases were caused by the A(H1N1) virus. Although the epidemic period started two weeks earlier than in the previous two years, it is not considered an abnormal phenomenon, CDC Deputy Director-General Philip Lo (羅一鈞) said. The situation is similar to that of Japan, which has entered the epidemic period, but has not reached the peak, Lo said. People should seek immediate treatment at large hospitals when signs of serious complications occur, he said.

Source: Taipei Times December 24, 2019 15:56 UTC