Over the past week in the region:

The bronchiolitis epidemic peaked in the region during week 51, as observed by all surveillance systems (SOS Médecins, pediatric emergency departments, and virology laboratories at the Nantes and Angers university hospitals). The start of the flu epidemic in the region has been confirmed. Twenty-one cases of severe influenza were reported in the region by intensive care units (71% of cases in people over 65 years of age). The virology laboratories at both university hospitals 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.An increase in emergency room visits has been observed among people over 75 years of age. Within the region’s nursing homes, 16 new outbreaks (9 in long-term care facilities and 7 in assisted living facilities) have been reported over the past week. The importance of preventive measures during an epidemic was reiterated this week by the Directorate General of Health (DGS).