Key Developments as of October 31, 2011

• According to information currently available from the surveillance system, 35 cases of CO poisoning occurred in mainland France during weeks 42 and 43. This brings the total number of cases since September 1, 2011, to 96, involving 343 people, 45 of whom were hospitalized.

• Although the weekly number of cases has been gradually increasing since September 1, 2011, it remains below the level observed during the same period in 2010.

• Since September 1, 2011, three deaths have been reported to the surveillance system. For the two deaths for which this information was available, the circumstances cited at the time of reporting were accidental, resulting from the improper use of a generator or a gas stove.

• The Directorate General for Health and the Directorate General for Civil Protection and Risk Management reiterated in a press release published on October 21, 2011, titled "Temperatures Dropping: Beware of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning," the recommendations to follow to avoid the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.