Public Health Surveillance in the Poitou-Charentes Region. Epidemiological Update as of November 23, 2012

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Bronchiolitis Bronchiolitis is a viral illness affecting young children, primarily those under the age of 2. In the vast majority of cases, bronchiolitis resolves favorably, either spontaneously or, more often, with the help of physical therapy. Bronchiolitis most frequently occurs as a seasonal epidemic (beginning in mid-October, peaking in December). In more than 7 out of 10 cases, bronchiolitis in children is caused by the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). In France, it is estimated that bronchiolitis affects nearly 30% of infants each winter. Two percent of infants under 1 year of age are hospitalized for more severe bronchiolitis each year. Bronchiolitis surveillance indicators (number of emergency room visits and outpatient consultations) show that the bronchiolitis epidemic has been underway in France since mid-October. At the same time, RSV detections are on the rise in hospitals (RENAL network) and in GROG samples. The current epidemiological situation shows a slight decline in the bronchiolitis epidemic among infants across all metropolitan regions. This trend is observed every year following the All Saints’ Day school break and the reduction in social contact that facilitates the transmission of viruses causing bronchiolitis. However, a resurgence of the epidemic is expected, and the peak of the epidemic is expected to be reached in the coming weeks. In Poitou-Charentes, after a slight increase since mid-October, the number of bronchiolitis cases in emergency rooms and at SOS-Médecins 17 remained low and stabilized in week 46.

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