Key Points

COVID-19

In the Pays de la Loire region, the spread of SARS-CoV-2 is increasing very sharply, linked to the rapid spread of the Omicron variant at the national and regional levels, with a significant impact on the healthcare system, healthcare utilization, and long-term care facilities.
In week 52, the regional incidence rate rose dramatically, reaching an adjusted incidence rate (accounting for holidays) of 1,479 per 100,000 inhabitants. This increase was observed across all age groups, but incidence rates varied greatly between them: they were very high among those under 65 (rates exceeding 1,000 per 100,000 inhabitants) compared to those aged 65 and older. The testing rate rose sharply across all age groups, particularly among those aged 15–30, where it was highest. The positivity rate also increased markedly in S52 across all age groups, reaching its highest level since the start of the epidemic (16.9%). The proportion of A0C0 screenings, a proxy for the Omicron variant, rose rapidly to 83%, representing a clear majority in S52. The detection of C1 screenings indicates that the Delta variant continues to circulate, but the sharp rise in the incidence rate appears to be primarily due to the Omicron variant.

Bronchiolitis

The Pays de la Loire region has been in an epidemic phase for bronchiolitis since Week 41, marking the 12th consecutive week in Week 52, as in other metropolitan regions (see map opposite). A decrease in healthcare utilization for bronchiolitis among children under 2 years of age has been observed since Week 49. This trend should be monitored in the coming weeks following the end of school holidays, as RSV circulation remains active (increase in RSV isolations by the virology laboratories at the Nantes and Angers University Hospitals in Week 52 compared to Week 51).

Influenza

The Pays de la Loire region has been in the pre-epidemic phase since Week 51. Emergency department visits for influenza-like illness continued to rise in Week 52, with children under 5 years of age accounting for 43% of these visits. SOS Médecins calls for influenza-like illnesses were slightly down in week 52. An increase in influenza A isolates, particularly among children, was reported in week 52 by the virology laboratories at the Nantes and Angers university hospitals.

Acute gastroenteritis

Emergency department visits for acute gastroenteritis stabilized at a high level, particularly affecting children under 5 years of age.