Key Points

COVID-19

In week 01-2023, a decrease in SARS-CoV-2 circulation was observed in the Grand Est region:

• Since incidence data have been incomplete since week 44, they should be interpreted with caution. A decrease in incidence across all age groups is observed;

• A decrease in the number of new hospitalizations across all departments compared to Week 52 of 2022 and stabilization in the number of critical care hospitalizations;

• A decrease in the number of emergency room visits for COVID-19 and a decrease in the number of COVID-19 consultations by SOS Médecins associations in the region;

• Incidence rates are plummeting across all departments. The Ardennes have the highest rate (145 cases per 100,000 inhabitants), while the Bas-Rhin has the lowest (81 cases per 100,000 inhabitants);

• The screening rate is 21%, and nearly all screened tests indicate a suspected Omicron variant (for tests where the mutation is sought and interpretable). In week 01-2023, 89% of screened samples carried a mutation consistent with the new Omicron sublineages, including BA.5 and its various sublineages (including BQ.1.1 and BF.7) and BA.4.

Bronchiolitis

• OSCOUR®: In week 01-2023, the proportion of emergency department visits related to bronchiolitis among children under 2 years of age continued to decline. It stood at 11.1%, representing 146 visits. The proportion of hospitalizations for bronchiolitis among all hospitalizations following an emergency department visit is slightly down, at 28% in week 01-2023.

• SOS Médecins: In week 52 of 2022, the proportion of cases handled by SOS Médecins related to bronchiolitis in children under 2 years of age was 7%, down from week 52 of 2022.

• Virology data: According to results from the virology laboratories at the Strasbourg and Nancy University Hospitals, in week 01-2023, the circulation of RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) has dropped sharply.

Influenza and influenza-like illnesses

• OSCOUR®: In week 01-2023, the number of emergency department visits for flu-like illness, across all ages, is down sharply compared to the previous week (469 versus 1,004 in week 52-2022). The proportion of cases is also down to 2.1%.

• SOS Médecins: The number of consultations for flu-like illness, across all age groups, is down compared to the previous week (860 consultations versus 1,447 in Week 52 of 2022), representing nearly 14% of total activity.