Key Points

• In week 12, all national indicators are declining, and the epidemic threshold is expected to be crossed in week 13, signaling the end of the epidemic (see the national influenza epidemiological bulletin of March 25, 2015).

• The approach of the epidemic’s end is also observed in the Lorraine region for all indicators. The impact of the influenza epidemic on the activity of emergency departments in Lorraine and the SOS Médecins Meurthe-et-Moselle association is similar to that observed during the 2012–2013 winter season.

• In week 12, only 50 cases of influenza and influenza-like illnesses were recorded in the region’s emergency departments, with 4 patients hospitalized. These conditions thus account for less than 0.5% of visits.

• In outpatient care, the SOS Médecins 54 association recorded 34 diagnoses of influenza and influenza-like illnesses in week 10. Activity related to these conditions stands at 3.4%, continuing to decline since early February (week 06).

• Since week 08, the number of influenza viruses isolated by the virology department at Nancy University Hospital has been decreasing. Over the past two weeks, the number of respiratory specimens testing positive for influenza has been around ten per week, representing 15% or less of weekly tests. In week 12, an equal number of influenza A and B viruses were identified.

• Since November 1, 2014, 46 severe cases of influenza have been reported to the CIRE. No cases have been reported in the past 3 weeks. As of March 25, 2015, there are no longer any cases hospitalized in intensive care for influenza; the clinical outcome was favorable for 37 cases (80%), and 9 cases (20%) have died.