Key Points

• The regional incidence rate continued to rise in Week 38, reaching 537 cases per 100,000 inhabitants (+8%), resulting in an effective R significantly greater than 1 (equal to 1.1). This trend appears to be continuing in the current week (Week 39). The incidence rate is stable on the island of Cayenne, while it continues to rise in the Savanes sector (+22%) and the Western Coast sector (+20%), reaching levels never before recorded in these areas.

• Hospitalizations across all departments were up sharply, with 131 hospitalizations in Week 38 compared to 115 in Week 37, exceeding the peak observed during the third wave, while remaining below that of the first wave. At the same time, intensive care admissions remain at a high level (20 admissions). The rise in deaths continues: 17 deaths were recorded in Week 38, the highest level ever reached since the start of the epidemic.

• Those under 18 account for 30% of confirmed cases, a sharp increase, leading to a series of pediatric hospital admissions.

• Two-dose vaccination coverage stands at 23% in the general population and 31% among those over 12 years of age eligible for vaccination. Coverage is higher among those over 50; this realistic effort must continue.