Key Points

COVID-19

• In week 42, the resurgence of viral circulation continues, with the regional incidence rate rising for the second consecutive week. However, the effective reproduction number (R>1 since week 41) remains stable this week.

• All departments in Normandy had incidence rates below 50 per 100,000 inhabitants, but the departments of Calvados (+25%) and Eure (+8%) showed rising rates exceeding 40 per 100,000. This increase is partly explained by the reporting of several clusters in the Eure department. At the same time, the number of new hospitalizations remained relatively stable, but an increase in new admissions to intensive care was observed (12 in Week 42 compared to 3 in Week 41).

• As of October 26, 92.8% of Normandy residents had received at least one dose of the vaccine, and 80.2% were fully vaccinated. Among those aged 75 and older, 30.4% had received a booster dose.

• Against the backdrop of increased circulation of SARS-CoV-2 and winter viruses, particularly among the elderly, it is essential to encourage vaccination among older adults who have not yet been vaccinated, as well as the administration of booster shots to eligible individuals aged 65 and older, and to maintain high adherence to preventive measures, given the effectiveness of these measures in containing the epidemic and preserving the healthcare system.

Bronchiolitis

• Epidemic phase: In week 42, there was an increase in emergency department visits and a slight increase in the number of SOS Médecins calls for bronchiolitis. Activity is high and exceeds that observed in previous years at SOS Médecins and in emergency departments.

• The number of isolated RSV cases among hospitalized patients has increased (15 at Caen University Hospital and 54 at Rouen University Hospital in week 42). Over the weekend of October 22–24, 2021, 71 children were seen by the Normandy Bronchiolitis Network, and 97 physical therapy sessions were conducted.

Influenza

Non-epidemic phase: In week 42, we observed stability in the use of emergency services and the number of SOS Médecins calls for influenza. Influenza activity is low. A single influenza virus was isolated this week among hospitalized patients in Rouen and Caen.

Gastroenteritis

Gastroenteritis activity remained stable at SOS Médecins and increased in emergency departments during week 42. Activity at SOS Médecins is at a low level, similar to previous seasons. In emergency departments, activity is moderate and higher than in previous seasons. The incidence of acute diarrhea estimated by the Sentinelles network is decreasing and at a level similar to previous years.