Key Points

COVID-19

In Hauts-de-France, during week 53, a moderate but significant increase in indicators of viral circulation was observed at both
the regional and subregional levels. This trend is accompanied by a rise in the positivity rate amid a significant decline in
testing rates. The highest incidence rates, which have risen significantly since last week, are currently observed
among young adults (ages 20–39).

At the sub-departmental level, several clusters of active viral circulation are observed in the St-Quentin and Soissons areas in the Aisne,
the Somme (Abbeville and Baie de Somme areas), the Oise (Compiègne area), the Pas-de-Calais (St-Omer, Béthune, and Hénin-Carvin), and
in the Nord (the Douaisis and Maubeuge-Val de Sambre). These clusters of active transmission are responsible for high incidence rates among people
over 65 years of age.

Bronchiolitis

In week 53, bronchiolitis activity was decreasing among SOS Médecins and in emergency departments, remaining at a moderate level for both sources. A few respiratory syncytial viruses (RSV) were isolated in patients hospitalized at the Amiens University Hospital; none were found at the Lille University Hospital. The circulation of other respiratory viruses (rhinoviruses and enteroviruses) has been decreasing in recent weeks, remaining at a moderate level. During the three-day weekend from January 1 to 3, activity levels in both Bronchiolitis Networks (BN) remained stable and were significantly lower than those observed during the same period in previous years. The strengthening of and adherence to the preventive measures currently in effect in response to the COVID-19 pandemic are also contributing to the decrease in the transmission of other respiratory viruses.

Influenza

Since the resumption of influenza surveillance, the number of visits to SOS Médecins and emergency departments for flu-like symptoms has remained at a low and stable level, significantly lower than that observed during the same period in previous seasons. The incidence of flu-like symptoms estimated by the Sentinelles network is increasing in week 53. No influenza virus has yet been isolated in patients hospitalized at the Lille and Amiens university hospitals. 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

In week 53, activity for acute gastroenteritis (AG) increased slightly at SOS Médecins and in emergency departments, though it remained at a low level. Current levels of healthcare utilization for AG are significantly lower than those observed in previous years. This is likely due to the strengthening of hygiene measures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The incidence of acute diarrhea estimated by the Sentinelles network is increasing in week 53. No enteric viruses were isolated in patients hospitalized at the Lille and Amiens university hospitals.