Key Points

COVID-19

• In Week 01 of 2022, in Normandy, Covid-19 transmission continued to rise, with a regional incidence rate (IR) of 2,301 per 100,000 inhabitants, representing a relative increase of +46%. This increase was observed across all age groups. The positivity rate was also rising and is above the alert threshold (18.5%). Testing activity was also on the rise. In week 2022-01, 92% of screening tests indicated a profile consistent with Omicron.

• This regional increase was observed in all departments, where the incidence rates ranged from 1,695 per 100,000 inhabitants in Manche to 2,735 per 100,000 inhabitants in Seine-Maritime.

• Furthermore, all pre-hospital indicators (visits to SOS Médecins and emergency department visits) and hospital indicators (new hospitalizations in general wards) show increases reflecting the impact of the sharp rise in viral circulation on the hospital system. Only new admissions to critical care remain relatively stable.

• In Week 01, 92.3% of residents of Normandy aged 12 and older had received a full primary vaccination series, and 57.1% had received a booster dose.

• Given the coexistence of the Delta and Omicron variants—the latter being more transmissible—and the sharp rise in hospitalizations, strict adherence to all preventive measures, including mask-wearing, reducing contact, and frequently ventilating enclosed spaces, is more necessary than ever to try to slow the rate of infections and protect the most vulnerable. Stepping up vaccination efforts, including booster shots as early as three months after the initial series, and following all recommended measures in the event of symptoms, a positive test, or exposure to a high-risk contact, are essential to limit the impact on the healthcare system.

Flu

Pre-epidemic phase:

In Week 01, the proportion of emergency department visits for influenza and flu-like symptoms was increasing and at a level similar to that of 2019–2020. The number of visits was increasing across all age groups, with the sharpest rise among those under 15. Activity and the number of flu-related visits to SOS Médecins were on the rise and similar to those observed in 2019–2020.The incidence rate of influenza-like illnesses reported by the Sentinelles network of general practitioners was increasing in S01. The number of influenza viruses detected by virology laboratories in the region was decreasing (16 at Rouen University Hospital and 10 at Caen University Hospital); all were type A, as observed at the national level.

Bronchiolitis

Post-epidemic phase:

In week 52, visits to emergency departments and SOS Médecins for bronchiolitis in children under 2 years of age were decreasing, and activity was moderate. The number of RSV isolates in hospitalized patients continued to decline (12 at Rouen University Hospital and 12 at Caen University Hospital). Over the weekend of January 7–9, 2022, the number of children seen by the Bronchiolitis Network (57 children) and the number of physical therapy sessions provided (78 sessions) were decreasing compared to the previous weekend.

Gastroenteritis

Activity for acute gastroenteritis (AG) across all age groups in emergency departments decreased in week 01 but remained at a high level, though lower than in the 2019–2020 season. The number of consultations for acute gastroenteritis at SOS Médecins was again on the rise, corresponding to a high level of activity. The incidence of acute diarrhea estimated by the Sentinelles network was increasing.