Key Points

COVID-19

In week 02 of 2022, COVID-19 circulation remained high in Normandy, with a less pronounced increase of +9%, reaching an incidence rate (IR) of 2,551 per 100,000 inhabitants. The positivity rate also continued to rise, reaching 23.6%, alongside a decline in the testing rate, likely linked to changes in school health protocols. The increase in the IR was observed in all departments, ranging from 1,702 in Manche to 2,852 per 100,000 inhabitants in Seine-Maritime. The proportion of A0C0 samples (compatible with Omicron) was rising and reached 97%.

Hospital and outpatient activity indicators are trending upward, but the number of new critical care admissions has changed little.

Nearly 62.5% of Normandy residents over the age of 12 had received their booster dose. Among those over 65, the rate rose to 88.9% among eligible individuals.

Influenza

Pre-epidemic phase: In week 02, the proportion of emergency department visits for influenza and influenza-like illnesses, as well as the number of influenza-related consultations at SOS Médecins, was decreasing and at a lower level than in 2019–2020. The incidence rate of flu-like syndromes reported by the Sentinelles network was on the rise, as was the number of influenza viruses detected by the region’s virology laboratories (29 at Rouen University Hospital and 3 at Caen University Hospital; all were type A).

Bronchiolitis

Post-epidemic phase: in week 02, emergency department visits for bronchiolitis were stable and activity was moderate. The number of hospitalizations following an emergency department visit was increasing. The number of SOS Médecins consultations for bronchiolitis in children under 2 years of age was slightly increasing and activity was moderate. The number of RSV isolates in hospitalized patients continued to decline (13 at Rouen University Hospital and 6 at Caen University Hospital). During the weekend of January 14–16, 2022, the number of children seen by the Bronchiolitis Network (47 children) and the number of physical therapy sessions provided (74 sessions) continued to decline slightly compared to the previous weekend.

Acute Gastroenteritis

Activity for acute gastroenteritis (AGE) across all age groups in emergency departments decreased in week 02 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, corresponding to a high level of activity. The incidence of acute diarrhea estimated by the Sentinelles network was decreasing and at a level lower than in 2019–2020.