Epidemiological Situation

The seasonal flu epidemic in Réunion started late this year. Unlike in previous years, no epidemic wave was observed earlier in the year. The epidemic threshold was exceeded as early as week 35 for emergency room visits due to flu or flu-like illness, and in week 36 for activity reported by the sentinel physician network. Current levels for weeks 38 and 39 for these two indicators are above the values observed since 2010. Severe cases (the majority of which involve type B viruses) are being reported in intensive care units at a rate already higher than the average for this stage of the epidemic during the 2010–2015 period.The proportion of positive influenza test results continues to rise, with a predominance of type B viruses. Current data do not yet allow us to determine whether the epidemic peak has been reached. Given this epidemic trend and the significant number of severe cases hospitalized in intensive care, it is important to reiterate measures to prevent the transmission of influenza.