Key Points

COVID-19

In the Hauts-de-France region, from February 8 to February 14, 2021, with nearly 14,400 new cases diagnosed in week 6, the number of new cases was rising at a very high rate. The circulation of SARS-CoV-2 is intensifying in the region, with very high incidence rates in most areas and continued significant pressure on hospital capacity. The current situation therefore remains concerning and poses a risk of a very rapid and intense resurgence of the epidemic, particularly due to the gradual increase in the prevalence of new variants with increased transmissibility across the entire region.

At the subregional level, a geographical spread of the virus is observed across many areas, particularly in the Pas-de-Calais department and along the coastal strip of the Nord department.

Pressure on healthcare resources remains high in week 6. The number of people currently hospitalized in the region remains stable and very high. Nearly one in two patients (47%) hospitalized in the region’s intensive care and continuous care units is being treated for COVID-19. The number of new deaths among patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 has remained at a very high level for several weeks.

Bronchiolitis

Non-epidemic phase.

In week S06-2021, bronchiolitis activity was stable compared to the previous week among SOS Médecins and in emergency departments, at a moderate level for both sources. The number of respiratory syncytial viruses (RSV), as well as the number of other respiratory viruses (rhinoviruses and enteroviruses) isolated from patients hospitalized at the Amiens and Lille university hospitals, was increasing, at moderate levels. Over the weekend of February 13–14, activity in the two Bronchiolitis Networks (59-62 and Picard) increased slightly, remaining at low levels significantly below those observed during the same period in previous years. The strengthening of and adherence to the preventive measures currently in place in response to the COVID-19 pandemic are likely contributing to the decrease in the transmission of other respiratory viruses. Nevertheless, in recent weeks, the regional upward trend in healthcare utilization indicators should prompt vigilance in light of the significant increase in bronchiolitis activity in Île-de-France, a region neighboring Hauts-de-France. An epidemic of bronchiolitis that is delayed or occurring later than usual due to the COVID-19 wave in October–November 2020 cannot be ruled out—a phenomenon that was observed in the Southern Hemisphere (Australia) following the COVID-19 wave.

Influenza

Non-epidemic phase.

Since the resumption of influenza surveillance, no influenza activity has been observed in calls to SOS Médecins or emergency departments. The incidence of influenza-like illness estimated by the Sentinelles network was slightly higher in week S06-2021, though at a low level. No influenza virus has yet been isolated in patients hospitalized at the University Hospitals of Lille and Amiens. The flu vaccination campaign is still ongoing and will continue until February 28, 2021. Given the current absence of flu activity in mainland France and in the region, there is still time for those eligible for vaccination to get vaccinated.

Gastroenteritis

Moderate activity.

Activity reported by SOS Médecins for GEA has remained stable for the past two weeks among children under 5 and all age groups, at a moderate level. It is also stable in emergency departments for all age groups, but is increasing among children under 5, though levels remain low—currently lower than those observed in previous years. This can likely 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 was increasing in week S06-2021. A single enteric virus was isolated in patients hospitalized at the Lille University Hospital in week S06-2021; none were isolated at the Amiens University Hospital.