Epidemiological Situation

Epidemiological data confirm the end of the seasonal influenza epidemic in Réunion, with a documented decline in consultations reported by the sentinel physician network and in emergency department visits for influenza-like illness.Following the same pattern as the 2017 influenza epidemic, the 2018 seasonal influenza was characterized by a late onset (August 2018), a single epidemic wave, and intense activity, with the epidemic threshold exceeded for six consecutive weeks for both physician visits and emergency department visits. In 2018, the flu epidemic was less intense in terms of duration, impact, and severity compared to 2017. Among the influenza viruses detected in 2018, type A viruses were clearly in the majority.More than 60% of severe cases were recorded during the flu epidemic, with a low case fatality rate (2 deaths) compared to 2017 (14 deaths). In mainland France, the flu season has not yet begun. Indicators of flu-like illness remain at low levels.