Key Findings

• In Lorraine, according to available data, there was an increase in all-cause mortality among people aged 75 and older during week 06. The proportion of these deaths attributable to winter-related illnesses is unknown.

• Emergency department activity has remained stable in Lorraine over the past two weeks.

• The number of influenza diagnoses has increased significantly in Lorraine’s emergency departments over the past two weeks. In outpatient care, the SOS Médecins association in Meurthe-et-Moselle reports a decline in week 07. Thus, as at the national level, the peak of the epidemic is likely approaching. The flu activity observed in Lorraine is comparable to what was seen two years ago, during the 2012-2013 winter season.

• Data from the virology department at Nancy University Hospital indicate that primarily type A viruses were identified among the samples analyzed. Nationally and across Europe, the majority of subtyped viruses are A(H3N2) viruses. These influenza viruses are known to cause complications in at-risk individuals.

• There has been a continued occurrence of severe influenza cases requiring hospitalization in intensive care, with a total of 34 cases since November 2014, 5 of whom have died.

• A decrease in bronchiolitis activity among children under 2 years of age is observed in the region, according to the monitored indicators.

• The number of cases of gastroenteritis and diarrhea fluctuates within the ranges typically observed at this time of year.