Summary

Heat Wave and Health Alert System: Third heat wave episode in the Rhône region from August 6 to 8, 2015. Following a decline in late July in heat-related emergency room visits and SOS Médecins consultations (week 31), these figures began to rise again at the end of week 32 due to the very high temperatures recorded in the region. This increase was of more limited magnitude and duration than those of the first two heat waves, likely due to the brevity of this third wave. Since then, these indicators have been trending downward. A comprehensive assessment of mortality observed during specific heat waves in the Rhône-Alpes region will be conducted at the end of the summer season.

Enhanced surveillance of chikungunya and dengue: Since May 1, 2015, 15 cases of dengue and 5 cases of imported chikungunya have been confirmed in the five departments of the region covered by this surveillance system.

West Africa Ebola Update: As of August 2, 2015, the WHO reports a total of 27,898 cases (suspected, probable, and confirmed) and 11,296 deaths in the three countries most affected. For the second consecutive week, the number of new cases has been low. Thus, in week 31, there was one case in Guinea and one in Sierra Leone, and none in Liberia.

Opinion of the High Council of Public Health dated July 8, 2015, regarding the "Strategy for classifying patients" suspected of having "Ebola virus disease"