Key Points

Influenza and Influenza-Like Illness (ILI)Epidemic activity is declining. The number of visits to both hospital emergency departments (-38%) and community-based emergency departments (-47%) continues to decrease. Activity is below seasonal averages in both settings.Low activity in primary care: incidence rate of influenza-like illness estimated at 102 cases per 100,000 inhabitants (95% CI [38, 166], unconsolidated Sentinelles data). Decrease in the positivity rate for type A virus at Brest University Hospital (10.5% out of 124 samples).

Severe cases of influenza: Since week 44/2016, 62 cases of severe influenza have been admitted to intensive care in Brittany. Sixty-one were infected with an influenza A virus and one with an influenza B virus. The average age was 66 years; 57 patients had at least one risk factor targeted by vaccination.

Acute respiratory infection in nursing homesSince September 1, 2016, 128 outbreaks of acute respiratory infection (ARI) in nursing homes have been reported.

Bronchiolitis (children under 2 years of age)Epidemic activity declining (peak in week 51). Decrease in visits to community emergency departments (-20%) and increase in hospital emergency department visits (+22%). Stable RSV positivity rate at Brest University Hospital (11% out of 124 samples).

Gastroenteritis: Epidemic activity. Decrease in visits to community emergency departments (-13%). Increase in visits to hospital emergency departments observed only among children under 5 years of age (+20%). Activity remains slightly above seasonal averages in both networks.High activity in primary care: incidence rate of acute diarrhea estimated at 222 cases per 100,000 inhabitants (95% CI [65, 379], unconsolidated Sentinelles data). Circulation of rotavirus identified in enteric specimens analyzed at the Virology Laboratory of the Brest University Hospital.

Mortality: An excess of deaths across all age groups and among those aged 75 and older has been observed since week 52/2016. In week 05/2017, an excess of at least +23% was noted in Brittany (subject to data consolidation; data are not yet complete).