Over the past week in the region:

The bronchiolitis outbreak continues to spread in the region, as observed by all surveillance systems (SOS Médecins, pediatric emergency departments, and virology laboratories at the Nantes and Angers University Hospitals). The pediatric emergency department at the Nantes University Hospital is currently experiencing very high patient volume.

The flu season has begun, though activity remains very moderate and is more noticeable in SOS Médecins consultations than in emergency room visits. However, six cases of severe flu, all in patients over 65 years of age, have been reported in the region by intensive care units. The virology laboratories at both university hospitals have identified an increase in isolates of influenza A virus. National reference centers have identified a predominance of the A(H3N2) subtype, known to primarily affect the elderly.

As anticipated, the Christmas holidays are seeing concurrent circulation of RSV and the influenza virus. These two viruses are likely to lead to an increase in healthcare activity related to acute respiratory infections among the elderly.Within the region’s nursing homes, 12 new outbreaks (7 in nursing homes and 5 in assisted living facilities) have been reported over the past week. The number of SOS Médecins consultations for gastroenteritis remains high, with little impact on pediatric hospital emergency departments.