Key Points

Surveillance of Gastroenteritis

• Gastroenteritis activity in emergency departments across the Grand-Est region remains higher than in previous years during the same period and is on the rise among young children.

• During Week 04 (January 23–29, 2017), activity related to this condition among SOS Médecins associations in the region has decreased.

• Surveillance in senior care facilities: 17 clusters of acute gastroenteritis cases have been reported since the January 19 update, bringing the total to 99 episodes since surveillance began on October 1, 2016.

• According to data from the virology laboratories at the Nancy and Strasbourg University Hospitals, rotavirus has been circulating in the region over the past few weeks.

Bronchiolitis Surveillance

• In week 04, bronchiolitis activity among children under 2 years of age continued to decline for the SOS Médecins associations, but remained stable at a high level in emergency departments.

• The Grand Est region has remained in the epidemic phase since week 47. In week 04, 5 metropolitan regions are still in the epidemic phase.

• According to data from the virology laboratories at the Nancy and Strasbourg university hospitals, the circulation of respiratory syncytial virus continues to decline in the region.

Influenza Surveillance

• In week 04, influenza-related activity remains high in emergency departments and SOS Médecins clinics. The Grand Est region remains in the epidemic phase.

• Virological data show that influenza virus circulation remains high in the region.

• Twelve severe cases of influenza have been reported by intensive care units in the Grand Est region since the update on January 26.

• Since September 1, 2016, 101 clusters of acute respiratory infections in elderly care facilities have been reported.

Mortality Surveillance

• According to data available as of January 31, 2017, the episode of excess mortality observed in the Grand Est region has continued for the seventh consecutive week, but a downward trend appears to be emerging in week 03 (January 16–22, 2017).