Key Developments as of December 26, 2011

• According to information available to date, 376 cases of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning have been reported to the surveillance system since September 1, 2011, including 56 cases between December 12 and 25. Since September 1, 2011, 1,227 people have been exposed to carbon monoxide fumes, 191 of whom were hospitalized.

• The number of reported cases of CO poisoning has not increased in the regions affected by Storms Hedden and Joachim.

• One death from carbon monoxide poisoning occurred while using a generator during work in the basement of a house.

• Weather forecasts indicating an increased risk of CO poisoning in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region were accompanied by the local dissemination of prevention messages through the "weather pre-alert" system. No increase in the number of poisoning cases was observed.

• The Directorate General for Health (DGS) and the National Institute for Health Promotion and Education (INPES) remind the public that generators or outdoor grills/barbecues should never be used in enclosed spaces (all rooms in the home, including the garage, basement, or cellar, as well as any outbuildings).