Key Points

COVID-19

In the Hauts-de-France region, between February 15 and 21 (Week 7), 18,134 new cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection were diagnosed (compared to 14,381 cases between February 8 and 14). Since last week, there has been a very sharp acceleration in the spread of the epidemic (+26%) compared to previous weeks (+7% in week 6 and +4% in week 5). The circulation of SARS-CoV-2 in the region is intensifying very rapidly amid an increase in the prevalence of variants under enhanced surveillance, particularly the V1 variant identified last week in more than half of the screened positive PCR tests.

At the sub-departmental and territorial levels, week 7 saw an increase in the epidemic and intensified viral circulation in all departments and most territories. In the departments of Pas-de-Calais and Nord, there is a more significant intensification of SARS-CoV-2 circulation and a very rapid geographic spread across all territories, with an out-of-control outbreak in the northern part of Flanders and the Dunkirk area.

The increase in healthcare utilization and in key indicators reflects the high and growing epidemic pressure on hospital care capacity. The recent sharp rise in the number of cases is likely to have a significant and immediate impact on healthcare capacity. The deterioration in virological indicators particularly affects the most active and most vulnerable age groups (65 and older), especially in the Nord and Pas-de-Calais departments.

Regional analysis of waves 19 (mid-December 2020) and 20 (mid-January 2021) of the CoviPrev survey reveals an unfavorable trend in individual and collective protective behaviors. Against the backdrop of family gatherings during the holiday season, the resumption of school and work activities in early January, and winter weather conditions, this has likely contributed to the continued high level of SARS-CoV-2 circulation and the increased prevalence of new variants in the region.

Bronchiolitis

In the pre-epidemic phase.

In week S07-2021, calls to SOS Médecins for bronchiolitis increased significantly compared to the previous week. Emergency department activity and the number of hospitalizations for bronchiolitis have been rising for several weeks. The number of RSV isolates in hospitalized patients is also increasing, as is activity within the Bronchiolitis Networks, albeit moderately.