Start of the bronchiolitis outbreak in Midi-PyrénéesIn mainland France, indicators tracking the bronchiolitis outbreak in private practice (SOS Médecins associations) and hospital emergency departments (Oscour® network emergency services) continued to rise in week 48 (the third consecutive week since week 46). In the Midi-Pyrénées region, indicators showed a marked increase in week 48 compared to previous weeks, exceeding the statistical alarm thresholds for both data sources. These observations are consistent with the monitoring of virological indicators (Virology Laboratory at Toulouse University Hospital, see page 9). These data would thus confirm the epidemic in the region following a modest start in week 46. Indicators are expected to continue rising in the coming weeks.As a reminder, acute bronchiolitis in infants affects approximately one-third of children under 2 years of age each season, leading to a period of sustained activity in the pediatric departments of healthcare facilities. Boys are affected more often than girls, and bronchiolitis is primarily observed among infants under 6 months of age (approximately 60% of cases).

End of Enhanced Chikungunya-Dengue Surveillance The enhanced surveillance implemented from May 1 to November 30 by the Midi-Pyrénées Regional Health Agency (ARS), in conjunction with the regional unit of the French Institute for Public Health Surveillance (InVS) (Cire), and in close collaboration with healthcare providers and laboratories, has now been lifted for the season. The 2015 surveillance report for the region shows 18 confirmed cases (16 dengue and 2 chikungunya) out of 50 reported suspected cases. All new reports of Chikungunya and dengue must now be submitted to the ARS using the mandatory reporting form. We thank all stakeholders involved in the system and look forward to working together again starting May 1, 2016.