COVID-19 and Mycoplasma Pneumoniae to Peak in July

Taiwan is currently experiencing a resurgence of COVID-19 alongside outbreaks of Mycoplasma and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). Dr. Huang Li-min, a pediatric infectious disease specialist at National Taiwan University Hospital, predicts that the COVID-19 wave will peak in July, while the Mycoplasma outbreak could persist for another one to two months. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reported 623 new severe cases and 38 deaths, with severe cases and fatalities doubling from the previous week.

Dr. Huang Li-min of the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Department at National Taiwan University Hospital (Image / Sourced from Chung Guang_Liu Pinxi)

Dr. Huang noted that the number of COVID-19 patients in hospitals is increasing, with a peak expected in July followed by a decline in August. In addition to COVID-19, RSV, Mycoplasma, and enterovirus are also circulating. Mycoplasma, which primarily affects children, has been spreading for four months and accounts for half of pneumonia cases, though no severe cases have been reported. RSV infects both adults and children, with older adults at higher risk for severe illness. While the current RSV outbreak is intensifying, severe cases remain few.

Illustration of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) (Image / Courtesy of motionelements Library)

Regarding when the multiple viral and bacterial infections might subside, Dr. Huang stated that immune debt generally lasts for two years. He predicts that Taiwan will continue to be affected until the first half of 2025, with a return to normalcy expected in the latter half of 2025.