Key Points

COVID-19

In week 04-2022, COVID-19 transmission remained high in Normandy, with a stable incidence rate (-2%) at 3,229 per 100,000 inhabitants. The positivity rate increased to 35.9%, alongside a decline in the testing rate, likely due to the widespread use of self-tests. The IR was rising in Calvados and Manche and slightly declining in the other departments. The proportion of A0C0 samples, consistent with Omicron, was increasing and exceeded 99%. A screening result indicating the presence of one of Omicron’s target mutations (coded D1, strong suspicion of Omicron) was identified in 98.2% of interpretable results.

At the hospital level, both the number of new hospitalizations and the number of hospitalized patients were increasing. This increase was observed in all departments except Eure. Among new hospitalizations, two-thirds were due to COVID-19. However, the number of new admissions and the number of patients in critical care were slightly decreasing.
In urban areas, the number of calls handled by SOS Médecins for suspected COVID-19 cases was decreasing.

Flu

Pre-epidemic phase, stable: In S04, the number of emergency room visits was decreasing, as was the number of SOS Médecins consultations for influenza. The incidence rate of influenza-like illnesses reported by the Sentinelles network, however, was increasing. The proportion of isolated influenza viruses was decreasing.

Bronchiolitis

Non-epidemic phase, decreasing: In S04, emergency department visits for bronchiolitis among children under 2 years of age were stable, and activity was moderate. The number of hospitalizations following an emergency department visit was decreasing. The number of SOS Médecins consultations for bronchiolitis was decreasing, and activity was low. The proportion of isolated RSV was decreasing.

Acute gastroenteritis

Activity for acute gastroenteritis (AGE) across all age groups in emergency departments was increasing in week 04 and remained at a moderate level, similar to that of the 2019–2020 season. The number of consultations for acute gastroenteritis at SOS Médecins was decreasing, but activity levels remained high. The incidence of acute diarrhea estimated by the Sentinelles network was stable and lower than in 2019–2020.