Key Points

COVID-19

In the Pays de la Loire region, as at the national level, the past three weeks have been marked by a resurgence and acceleration in SARS-CoV-2 transmission indicators. Incidence and positivity rates saw sharp increases, particularly in S28, while the testing rate rose at a slower pace. Indicators were once again particularly high among those aged 15–30 and then among those aged 30–45, but all age groups showed rising indicators.

The new national strategy for systematic RT-PCR screening of SARS-CoV-2 positive tests has been in place since May 31, 2021, and allows for the targeting of the three variants of interest: E484K (carried notably by the Beta and Gamma variants), E484Q, and L452R (carried notably by the Delta variant). This strategy enables reactive monitoring of the spread of variants carrying these mutations of interest at the national level and in the most affected regions. At the regional level, as in mainland France, the L452R mutation has seen an exponential increase and has very quickly become the dominant variant.

Gastroenteritis

Over the past three weeks, calls to SOS Médecins and emergency room visits for gastroenteritis have generally been on the decline, particularly among children under the age of 5. These indicators point to a slowdown in the circulation of norovirus in recent weeks, although observed levels remain slightly elevated.

Heat Wave and Health Alert System (SACS)

In recent weeks, healthcare utilization for heat-related conditions has remained at levels typically observed during the summer. To date, the region has not experienced any heat waves since the start of the season.