Key Points

COVID-19

In the Hauts-de-France region, the epidemic remains intense. It has grown more slowly at the regional level than in previous weeks (a trend to be confirmed in the coming days based on complete and consolidated data). The number of new hospitalizations and admissions to intensive care continues to rise. The number of hospital deaths attributable to COVID-19 increased by 25% in Week 44 compared to the previous week (Week 43).

Monitoring of winter epidemics

• Bronchiolitis: Bronchiolitis activity in Week 44 was stable among SOS Médecins associations and slightly decreased in emergency departments, remaining at a typical and moderate level for both sources. The rates of consultation for bronchiolitis at SOS Médecins and in emergency departments are comparable to those observed during previous seasons at the same time. Only one RSV was isolated in hospitalized patients; the circulation of rhinoviruses and enteroviruses has been decreasing in recent weeks. Activity in the Bronchiolitis Network (RB) 59-62 has been decreasing and remained at a moderate level over the past two weeks, while activity in the Picard RB over the weekend of October 31 showed a slight increase but remained low.

• Influenza: 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 similar to that observed during previous seasons at the same time. The incidence of influenza-like illness estimated by the Sentinelles network has been increasing in recent weeks, reflecting the current dynamics of the COVID-19 epidemic. 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.

• Gastroenteritis: In week 44, activity for gastroenteritis remained stable at a low level at SOS Médecins and emergency departments. Compared to previous seasons, the level of GEA cases is significantly lower, which may be attributed to the strengthening of hygiene measures in the context of the pandemic or to different patterns of healthcare utilization related to the COVID-19 epidemic. The incidence of acute diarrhea estimated by the Sentinelles network was stable in week 44 and also remained at a lower level than in previous seasons. Among patients hospitalized in week 44, no enteric viruses were isolated at the virology laboratories of the Amiens and Lille University Hospitals.