Key Points

Influenza and flu-like illness

End of the epidemic. Sharp decline in visits to hospital emergency departments (-58%) and community clinics (-46%) across all age groups. Activity below seasonal averages in both networks. Low activity in primary care: incidence rate of influenza-like illness estimated at 6 cases per 100,000 inhabitants (95% CI [0; 19], unconsolidated Sentinelles data).

Decrease in the positivity rate for type A virus at Rennes University Hospital and Brest University Hospital (12% out of 131 samples and 9% out of 85 samples, respectively).

Severe cases of influenza

Decrease in the number of cases: only one case reported in week 08. Since week 44/2016, 64 cases of severe influenza have been admitted to intensive care in Brittany. Sixty-two were infected with a type A virus and one with a type B virus. The average age was 67 years; 59 patients had at least one risk factor targeted by vaccination.

Acute Respiratory Infections in Nursing Homes

Since September 1, 2016, 134 outbreaks of acute respiratory infections in nursing homes have been reported. In week 08, no new outbreaks were reported.

Bronchiolitis (children under 2 years of age)

Post-epidemic phase, but cases persist. Decrease in visits to hospital emergency departments (-39%) and community clinics (-25%).

Increase in the RSV positivity rate at Rennes University Hospital and Brest University Hospital (18% out of 131 samples and 12% out of 85 samples, respectively).

Gastroenteritis

Epidemic activity. Decrease in visits to community-based emergency departments (-21%) and hospital emergency departments (-11%). Activity within seasonal averages in both networks. Low activity in primary care: incidence rate of acute diarrhea estimated at 109 cases per 100,000 inhabitants (95% CI [42; 176], unconsolidated sentinel data). Circulation of Rotavirus, Norovirus, and Adenovirus identified in enteric specimens analyzed at Rennes University Hospital and Brest University Hospital. Circulation of Astrovirus identified in Rennes.

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 06/2017, an excess of at least +15% was noted in Brittany (downward trend, subject to data consolidation; data are not yet complete).