Key Points

COVID-19

• In Hauts-de-France, for the first time in several weeks, a resurgence of the epidemic has been observed, with a significant increase since last week in the regional incidence rate and other indicators of the epidemic’s dynamics. The situation is deteriorating rapidly in the three departments in the southern part of the region (Aisne, Oise, and Somme), which were less affected by the second wave of the epidemic and may have become less vigilant. It remains stable but highly precarious, with very high incidence rates in most highly urbanized areas of Nord and Pas-de-Calais. The positivity rate remains above 5% in all departments amid an overall increase in testing rates. At the departmental level, a significant rise in incidence rates is also observed in the departments of the former Picardy region (Aisne, Oise, Somme).

• Viral circulation remains high but stable among the youngest (<30 years old) and those over 65. In contrast, it is increasing significantly in the active intermediate age groups (30–49 years and 50–69 years).

• The Hauts-de-France Regional Health Agency (ARS) has raised awareness at the regional level regarding the unfavorable evolution of the epidemiological situation and the need to strengthen precautionary measures, particularly as the end-of-year holidays approach.

• Particular attention must be paid to the epidemiological situation, which is improving very slowly in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities, which have been severely affected by this second wave.

• While the improvement in recent weeks had helped relieve pressure on healthcare capacity, the high level of viral circulation in Hauts-de-France and the resurgence of the epidemic in the southern part of the region call for the utmost vigilance because, with the lifting of lockdown measures and in anticipation of family gatherings during the end-of-year holidays, the current deterioration of the epidemiological situation must be considered a high risk for a rapid resurgence of the epidemic.

Bronchiolitis (non-epidemic phase)

• In week 50, bronchiolitis activity was slightly lower among SOS Médecins and slightly higher in emergency departments, at a moderate level for both sources. Six respiratory syncytial viruses (RSV) were isolated in patients hospitalized at the Amiens University Hospital, none at the Lille University Hospital. The circulation of other respiratory viruses (rhinoviruses and enteroviruses) remained stable in week 50, at a low level. Activity in the region’s two Bronchiolitis Networks over the weekend of December 12–13 showed a slight increase to a moderate level, which was also significantly lower than that observed during the same period in previous years. The strengthening of and adherence to the preventive measures currently in effect in the context of the COVID-19 epidemic are also contributing to the reduction in the transmission of other respiratory viruses.

Influenza (non-epidemic phase)

• Since the resumption of influenza surveillance, visits to SOS Médecins and emergency departments for flu-like symptoms have remained at a low and stable level, lower than that observed during the same period in previous seasons. The incidence of flu-like symptoms estimated by the Sentinelles network remains stable in week S50. No influenza virus has yet been isolated in patients hospitalized at the Amiens University Hospital and the Lille University Hospital. The influenza vaccination campaign is underway, and given the current lack of influenza activity in mainland France and the region, it is still time for those eligible for vaccination to get vaccinated.

Gastroenteritis (low activity)

• In week S-50, activity for acute gastroenteritis (AG) remains low and generally stable in emergency department visits and SOS Médecins calls. Compared to previous seasons, the level of AG-related visits is significantly lower, which may be attributed to the strengthening of hygiene measures in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The incidence of acute diarrhea estimated by the Sentinelles network is clearly on the rise. In week S-50, a single enteric virus was isolated in patients hospitalized at the Amiens University Hospital and none at the Lille University Hospital.