News

• Flu outbreak in the Rhône-Alpes region: the peak of the outbreak was reached during the first week of February (2015-06), and all indicators of healthcare utilization for flu-like symptoms—which were particularly high this year—have begun to decline since last week (2015-08). The circulating virus strains are predominantly type A (H3N2), some of which are not covered by the vaccine. Numerous outbreaks of acute respiratory infections are still being reported by nursing homes. In this context, the early use (within the first 48 hours) of antiviral treatments for symptomatic vulnerable individuals, without waiting for virological confirmation of the diagnosis, has shown a reduction in the length of hospitalization, the duration of illness, and severe cases among these patients.

• Mortality: A marked increase in all-cause mortality has been observed in the Rhône-Alpes region since early 2015, as in other French regions. This increase affects people over 65 years of age. The impact of influenza epidemics on mortality among the elderly is well known, though it is not yet possible to quantify its contribution at this stage of the season.

• Ebola virus disease outbreak in West Africa: On February 20, 2015, the WHO reported a total of 23,371 cases and 9,442 deaths in the three currently affected countries in West Africa (Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone). A decline in the outbreak is observed in all three countries. The number of new cases is generally stable compared to previous weeks. Transmission remains active in the capitals of Conakry and Freetown.