Key Points

• This year’s flu epidemic, which began in Lorraine in week 52 of 2014, is nearing its end. Nationally, the number of cases has fallen below the epidemic threshold since week 13. Influenza B is the most commonly detected virus as the flu epidemic winds down.

• According to data from the virology laboratory at Nancy University Hospital, the numbers of other circulating respiratory viruses (other than influenza A or B) are within the usual range.

• For the past five weeks (week 11), a high number of cases of acute gastroenteritis has been recorded in emergency departments in Lorraine (280 cases in weeks 11 and 12, compared to an average of 130 from week 2 to week 8). Starting in week 14, an initial decline in the number of cases was observed. In week 15, this condition accounted for more than 2% of emergency department activity in the region, a proportion similar to that of influenza at the peak of the epidemic. Further analysis revealed that the Moselle department was the most affected and that the under-5 age group was the hardest hit.

• The number of hospitalizations for acute gastroenteritis increased in parallel starting in week 10 (62 hospitalizations compared to 20 to 30 in previous weeks) and appears to have stabilized at high levels (between 60 and 80 weekly hospitalizations) over the past 5 weeks (March 9–April 12).

• The number of gastroenteritis cases diagnosed by the SOS Médecins 54 association remains within the usual fluctuations for this time of year, even though these diagnoses account for a significant portion of their caseload (approximately 8% of their total activity).

• Data from the virology laboratory at Nancy University Hospital appear to indicate a resurgence in rotavirus circulation since week 11, with an increase in the number of positive samples and a predominance of this virus over other enteric viruses.

• According to the National Aerobiological Surveillance Network (RNSA), the allergy risk is low to moderate depending on the department in Lorraine. Diagnoses of allergies and asthma remain at slightly lower weekly levels for this time of year compared to 2014 data.

• During the 2014–2015 heating season, 66 cases of carbon monoxide poisoning were reported in Lorraine. This number is comparable to what was recorded in previous years for the same period.