Key Points

COVID-19

• In Réunion, indicators of epidemic pressure continue to rise. In S46, although the increase in incidence and positivity rates was less pronounced, both remained very high (incidence rate exceeding 200 cases per 100,000 inhabitants and a positivity rate above the 5% alert threshold).

• In Week 46, the spread of the virus was more pronounced in the northern and eastern municipalities, even though the increase in incidence was evident in 20 of the island’s 24 municipalities. The latest sequencing results confirmed the near-exclusive presence of the Delta variant on the island.

• Regarding the health impact, new hospital admissions and admissions to critical care remained stable for the first time since the resurgence of the epidemic. However, the number of active cases was on the rise for both hospitalizations and critical care admissions. It should also be noted that all patients admitted to intensive care in November (the current wave) are unvaccinated. Efforts to promote vaccination must therefore continue. Furthermore, few people eligible for a booster dose have received the injection necessary to maintain their vaccine-induced immunity.

• In this context of a resurgence of the COVID-19 epidemic and the concurrent circulation of other respiratory viruses, it is essential to combine efforts to continue vaccination measures (for both influenza and COVID-19) and to strictly adhere to preventive measures.

Flu

• Since 2017, the flu season has typically begun in mid-August, peaking in October, and ending around November. After no circulation in 2020 and 2021, this year-end period is characterized by a delayed viral circulation.

• Circulation of influenza viruses of subtype A (H3N2)

  • 83% of emergency department visits involve children under 15

  • 3 cases in intensive care

Bronchiolitis

• Bronchiolitis outbreaks occur periodically, beginning during the warm, humid season (southern hemisphere summer), typically from early November to mid-February, depending on the year.

• In 2021, combined circulation of RSV type A and RSV type B

  • Increase in emergency room visits due to bronchiolitis over the past 3 weeks

  • Several cases in pediatric intensive care