Update on Bronchiolitis Nationwide, an increase in respiratory illnesses was observed in Week 41 compared to the previous week in the emergency departments of the Oscour® network and by the SOS Médecins associations. These increases were particularly evident in bronchiolitis indicators among children under 2 years of age (+10% in private practice and +21% in hospital settings). Regionally, bronchiolitis indicators for children under 2 years of age remained stable in private practice and hospital settings. The next edition of the Cire Midi-Pyrénées Epidemiological Update will include monitoring of seasonal respiratory disease indicators.Currently, the prevention of bronchiolitis relies primarily on hygiene measures: handwashing by anyone who comes into contact with the infant, ventilating the room, avoiding contact with people who have colds and smoky environments, and regularly cleaning objects the infant comes into contact with (toys, pacifiers, etc.)-

Update on Gastroenteritis Nationally, consultations at SOS Médecins clinics and visits to Oscour® network emergency departments for gastroenteritis increased in week 41 compared to the previous week among children (+24% in private practice and +23% in hospital settings) and among adults (+13% in private practice). Regionally, indicators were up compared to last week in private practice (+23% across all ages) and in hospital settings (+35% across all ages).To prevent the risk of gastroenteritis transmission, it is important to emphasize the importance of good hand hygiene (thorough and frequent washing with soap) and surface cleaning, particularly in high-risk settings (pediatric wards, long-term care facilities). These hygiene measures must also be followed when preparing meals (before handling food and after using the restroom), particularly in group settings (care facilities for the elderly, hospital wards, daycare centers)- Early removal of sick staff working in communal settings (kitchens, caregivers, etc.) helps prevent or limit foodborne outbreaks-

Ebola Virus in West Africa (as of October 13, 2014) A total of 8,397 cases (suspected, probable, and confirmed) and 4,302 deaths (case fatality rate 44.8%) have been reported by the WHO in five West African countries (Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Nigeria, and Senegal).