Winter Outbreaks in Midi-Pyrénées: Rise in Gastroenteritis and Flu-Like Illnesses, Bronchiolitis PersistsThe start of this new year is marked by the expected rise in indicators related to winter outbreaks of gastroenteritis and flu-like illnesses. The bronchiolitis outbreak, which began in early December, continues. Regarding gastroenteritis, although the indicators presented in this Epidemic Update are generally stable this week compared to last week, they had seen a sharp increase in week 52 of 2014. The gastroenteritis outbreak began in the Midi-Pyrénées region, as evidenced by the sharp increase in the number of clustered GEA cases in senior care facilities in recent days. Regarding influenza-like illnesses, indicators showed a sharp increase in Week 1 compared to previous weeks; this rise signals the imminent start of the outbreak in our region. The rhinovirus is currently the predominant respiratory virus in circulation. In this epidemiological context, it is important to emphasize the importance of adhering to and strengthening hygiene measures, particularly within facilities caring for vulnerable or at-risk populations.

Impact of Air Pollution on Mortality in 17 French Cities In its Weekly Epidemiological Bulletin of January 6, 2015, the InVS published a study on the short-term impact of particulate matter (PM10) on mortality in 17 French cities, including Toulouse, between 2007 and 2010. Mortality data come from the Center for Epidemiology on Medical Causes of Death (CépiDc-Inserm), and exposure data from accredited air quality monitoring associations (Oramip in Midi-Pyrénées).The results show that a 10 μg/m³ increase in PM10 is associated with a 0.51% increase in non-accidental mortality (95% CI: [0.08–0.94]). In summer, a 10 μg/m³ increase in PM10 results in a 1.30% increase in non-accidental mortality the following day (95% CI: [0.06–2.56]).This study confirms the short-term effects of PM10 on mortality, even at concentrations compliant with European Union regulations (40 μg/m³ annual average) and close to WHO guideline values (20 μg/m³), and underscores the need for action to reduce particulate matter levels in France. This action must address both peak levels and background levels.