Former health official dismisses rumors of Hsu’s flu source

TAIPEI (TVBS News) —  Former Deputy Minister of Health and Welfare Victor Wang (王必勝) dismissed rumors hinting at "who" actress Barbie Hsu (大S) contracted the flu from, on Wednesday (Feb. 5), deeming the claims as unnecessary and baseless.

He added that unfounded speculations only add to the distress of those involved.

Wang's remarks came after concerns among fans that Barbie Hsu contracted the flu at a gathering attended by singer Christine Fan (范瑋琪) and her husband Blackie Chen (陳建州), who had recently recovered from influenza.

Fans noted that on Jan. 22, Fan shared on Instagram that her family was hospitalized for influenza. Subsequently, she and her husband attended a wedding banquet on Jan. 25, where Hsu and her husband were also present. Hsu began showing flu symptoms on Jan. 29 during a trip to Japan, leading to her eventual diagnosis and death.

In a social media post, Wang highlighted the importance of health awareness, noting that reports suggested Hsu's oxygen saturation levels dropped to 89% during her illness. He emphasized that portable oximeters are now widely available and that any reading below 92% warrants immediate medical attention, especially if accompanied by symptoms like wheezing or fever.

Barbie Hsu, 48, died on Feb. 2 in Japan from pneumonia complications following influenza. The news of her death, confirmed after her cremation in Japan, has left many mourning the loss of the beloved actress. Her remains were returned to Taiwan on a private flight. Her sister's manager confirmed there would be no public memorial service, respecting Hsu's preference for privacy.