Key Points

COVID-19

In week 52 of 2022, a decrease in SARS-CoV-2 circulation was observed in the Grand Est region (as incidence data have been incomplete since week 44, they should be interpreted with caution):

• Decrease in the number of new hospitalizations across all departments and in critical care compared to week 51 of 2022;

• Decrease in the number of emergency room visits for COVID-19 and decrease in the number of COVID-19 consultations at SOS Médecins clinics in the region;

• Departmental incidence rates are decreasing in all departments. The highest incidence rate is observed in Meuse (305 new cases per 100,000 inhabitants) and the lowest in Aube (170 new cases per 100,000 inhabitants).

Bronchiolitis in children under 2

• OSCOUR®: In week 52 of 2022, the proportion of emergency department visits related to bronchiolitis among children under 2 years of age continued to decline. It stands at 14.7%, representing 283 visits. The proportion of hospitalizations for bronchiolitis among all hospitalizations following an emergency department visit is also declining, standing at 30% in week 52 of 2022.

• 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 9.7%, an increase compared to week 51 of 2022.

• Virology data: According to results from the virology laboratories at the University Hospitals of Strasbourg and Nancy, in week 52 of 2022, the circulation of RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) remains at a high level.

Influenza and influenza-like illnesses

• OSCOUR®: In week 52-2022, the number of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness, across all age groups, was slightly lower than in the previous week (1,004 compared to 1,121 in week 51-2022). The proportion of cases is also down slightly at 4.1%, but remains higher than what was observed during epidemics in previous winter seasons (from 2010–2011 to 2021–2022).

• SOS Médecins: The number of consultations for flu-like symptoms, across all age groups, is slightly lower than the previous week (1,447 consultations compared to 1,838 in Week 10 of 2022), representing nearly 18% of total activity.