News

Flu: The flu has arrived in the region: clinical flu indicators are above the epidemic threshold at both the regional and national levels. This sharp increase confirms last week’s trend and is expected to continue for several weeks before reaching a peak. The incidence of clinical influenza cases reported by the unified Sentinelles and Grog network stands at 330 cases per 100,000 inhabitants in week 52 of 2012. Visits to emergency rooms for clinical influenza, particularly among children, have also risen sharply.

This is an opportunity to reiterate the need for vigilance regarding clusters of acute respiratory infections in settings with elderly or vulnerable individuals. These outbreaks (5 cases in 4 days) should be reported using a form available here.

During periods of influenza circulation, rapid influenza tests are particularly suitable for diagnosing acute respiratory infections in group settings. In certain cases, in addition to standard preventive measures, prophylaxis with Oseltamivir® may be considered (http://www.ars.languedocroussillon.sante.fr/Surveillance-des-episodes-infe.102581.0.html).

Gastroenteritis: As is the case nationwide, an outbreak of gastroenteritis is also beginning in Languedoc-Roussillon, as evidenced by data from the Sentinelles network, hospital records, and SOS Médecins.

Bronchiolitis: visits to emergency departments have begun to decline, reflecting the waning of the epidemic for this diagnosis, with a slight lag compared to the national level.