Key Points

COVID-19

• In recent weeks, the incidence rate has remained low and the positivity rate has been stable at a moderate level. Demand for medical care (SOS Médecins calls and emergency room visits for suspected COVID-19, new hospitalizations, and new admissions to intensive care) has also remained low.

Extreme heat, heat wave

• Since June 1, no heat waves have been observed in the region. Demand for medical care due to heat-related illnesses has risen moderately, particularly for SOS Médecins, over the past two weeks compared to previous weeks.

Dengue, Chikungunya, Zika

• 5 cases of dengue since May 1, 2023.

Allergies and asthma attacks

• During this pollen season, particularly for grasses, and given the weather conditions (high temperatures and thunderstorms), a marked increase in healthcare visits for asthma attacks was observed last week, particularly on June 9. This increase primarily affected people aged 15 to 44. The occurrence of thunderstorms during the pollen season is a factor contributing to a significant increase in medical consultations for asthma attacks, as described during an episode in Nantes in June 2013. This phenomenon is linked to a mechanism whereby pollen grains break apart into pollen particles, with intense and rapid dispersal caused by gusts of wind. The micronization of pollen grains allows for deeper penetration into the respiratory tract. These findings should prompt the utmost vigilance in the coming days.

• SOS Médecins allergy-related calls were down in S23 following a high peak observed in S22.