Bronchiolitis: Increase in Healthcare Utilization

The fall season marks the start of the bronchiolitis epidemic among infants in mainland France, primarily linked to the circulation of the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

Currently, the epidemiological situation at the national and regional levels has shown, over the past few weeks, an increase in the number of cases of bronchiolitis at emergency departments and SOS Médecins clinics, suggesting the start of the epidemic.

In Midi-Pyrénées, there were 48 weekly visits for bronchiolitis among children under 2 years of age last week (week 47) in 30 of the 37 regional emergency departments, compared to 32 visits in week 46 at the same facilities (representing a 50% increase in visits for bronchiolitis in one week) and 20 visits in week 45 (representing a 140% increase in visits over two weeks). Furthermore, virological data transmitted by the Toulouse University Hospital to the Cire indicate a gradual increase in the circulation of RSV since week 45.

Nevertheless, the numbers observed this year are consistent with those recorded last year during the same period and follow a similar trend at the national level and in the Midi-Pyrénées region.

In conclusion, we are seeing the start of the bronchiolitis epidemic season at the national level and a clear increase in emergency care visits for this condition in the Midi-Pyrénées region.