Key Points

Enhanced Surveillance of Chikungunya, Dengue, and Zika

• In mainland France, Aedes albopictus, known as the "tiger mosquito," is established in 33 departments. In 2017, Bas-Rhin and Haut-Rhin were classified as Level 1 departments under the plan to prevent the spread of chikungunya and dengue in mainland France, due to the mosquito vector’s long-term presence. These departments are part of the enhanced surveillance system for chikungunya, dengue, and Zika in mainland France, which is active from May 1 to November 30 each year.

• Between May 1 and October 27, 2017, seven cases of dengue, two cases of chikungunya, and one case of Zika were confirmed in the Grand Est region.

Asthma Surveillance

• Asthma-related activity in emergency departments has remained stable since week 41.

• However, a slight increase in asthma diagnoses reported by SOS Médecins has been observed since week 42.

Allergy surveillance

• In week 43, allergy-related activity reported by SOS Médecins returned to the levels observed two weeks prior, following a slight spike in week 42. The figures remain similar to those of previous years during the same period.

• According to the RNSA’s pollen and allergy bulletin, the pollen season is over. All departments in the Grand Est region are classified as having zero allergy risk.

Bronchiolitis Surveillance

• Since week 35, activity related to bronchiolitis among children under 2 years of age in the region’s emergency departments has been steadily increasing and is similar to levels observed in previous years.

• This increase is also being observed by the SOS Médecins associations.

• Data from virology laboratories indicate that RSV circulation appears to be starting in the Grand Est region.

Mortality Surveillance

• As of October 31, the number of deaths observed in recent weeks falls within the usual range of fluctuations.