Key Facts

COVID-19 Outbreak in the Pays de la Loire Region

In the Pays de la Loire region, an increase in epidemiological indicators was observed in week 34, with a regional incidence rate reaching 27.1 cases per 100,000 inhabitants (exceeding the alert threshold of 20 cases per 100,000 inhabitants). In week 35, a stabilization of regional incidence and positivity rates was observed, but significant departmental disparities were noted in the dynamics of the outbreak within the region. The number of reported clusters remained stable between weeks 33 and 35.

In Sarthe, classified as having a high vulnerability level since August 20, a favorable trend in the epidemiological situation has been observed since week 35, with a decrease in the incidence rate to 46.8 cases per 100,000 inhabitants (below the alert threshold of 50 cases per 100,000 inhabitants), a decrease in emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and the number of reported cases in long-term care facilities (ESMS/Ehpad). In Mayenne, the favorable trend that began in week 33 continued in weeks 34 and 35. Mayenne has been reclassified as having a moderate vulnerability level since August 10.

In Maine-et-Loire, the epidemic situation stabilized in week 35 after a sharp increase in week 34. Maine-et-Loire was classified as having a moderate vulnerability level on August 24. In Loire-Atlantique, a sharp increase in epidemic activity was observed in week 34 and continued into week 35. Loire-Atlantique was classified as having a moderate vulnerability level on August 28.

In Vendée, a more moderate but steady increase in the epidemic was observed in weeks 34 and 35. It is the only department in the region classified as having a limited vulnerability level.Given the spread of the COVID-19 epidemic in the region, it is essential to continue adhering to hygiene, protection, and physical distancing measures in order to minimize the emergence or persistence of active transmission chains of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

Heat Wave and Health Alert System (SACS)

Decrease in emergency room visits and SOS Médecins calls for heat-related conditions in weeks 34 and 35 following the moderate increase observed during the heat wave. A significant but moderate excess of all-cause mortality was observed in week 33 (August 10–16) in the region. This increase coincided with the onset of the heat wave, although it is not possible to assess the proportion attributable to this event. This excess mortality primarily affected people aged 65 and older. In week 34, mortality appears to have returned to levels typically observed, a finding to be verified in the coming weeks as data are consolidated.