Key Points

COVID-19

In the Hauts-de-France region, the epidemic has been on the decline for the past two weeks at both the regional and local levels. The consistent trend in virological
indicators reflects a continuous and significant decrease in new infections over the past two weeks. Since last week, the improvement in the virological situation has led to a noticeable decrease in the epidemic’s strain on healthcare resources, with fewer people seeking care for suspected COVID-19, fewer new hospitalizations and ICU admissions, and a lower number of new deaths. However, even though the trend is currently favorable, indicators remain at a high level, with incidence rates still above the maximum alert threshold (250 cases per 100,000 inhabitants) in 2 of the 5 departments, nearly 300 new hospitalizations, and 250 new deaths this week. The results are nevertheless encouraging, and the efforts made must be sustained.

Bronchiolitis

Non-epidemic phase. Bronchiolitis activity in week 46 was decreasing among SOS Médecins associations and in emergency departments, remaining at a moderate level for both sources. The rates of consultation for bronchiolitis at SOS Médecins and in emergency departments are significantly lower than those observed during previous seasons at the same time of year, when an epidemic phase typically begins. Very few respiratory syncytial viruses (RSV) were isolated in patients hospitalized at the Amiens University Hospital, and none at the Lille University Hospital; the circulation of rhinoviruses and enteroviruses also remains low. Activity in the region’s two Bronchiolitis Networks during the on-call shifts on November 11 and over the weekend was stable and at a moderate level, 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 response to the COVID-19 pandemic are also contributing to the reduction in the transmission of other respiratory viruses.

Gastroenteritis

Low activity. In week 46, activity for gastroenteritis was slightly higher but remains at a low level at SOS Médecins and emergency departments. Compared to previous seasons, the level of cases for acute gastroenteritis is significantly lower, which may be attributed to the strengthening of preventive measures in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The incidence of acute diarrhea estimated by the Sentinelles network remains at a low level and is lower than in previous seasons. A single enteric virus was isolated in patients hospitalized at the Lille University Hospital or the Amiens University Hospital during week 46.

Influenza

Non-epidemic phase. Since the resumption of influenza surveillance in week S-40, visits for influenza-like illness to SOS Médecins and emergency departments have remained stable at a low level, lower than that observed during the same period in previous seasons for visits to SOS Médecins. The incidence of influenza-like illness estimated by the Sentinelles network continued to decline in week S46. Since surveillance resumed, no influenza virus has been isolated in patients hospitalized at the Amiens University Hospital (CHU) and the Lille University Hospital (CHRU). The flu vaccination campaign is underway, and given the current absence of flu activity in mainland France and the region, there is still plenty of time for those eligible for vaccination to get vaccinated.