Key Points

COVID-19

In the Pays de la Loire region, a resurgence in SARS-CoV-2 viral circulation was observed in weeks 41 and 42, with an initial impact on the healthcare system and healthcare utilization. Different trends were observed depending on the region and age group.

Bronchiolitis

The region has been in the epidemic phase of bronchiolitis since week 41, as has much of mainland France. Visits to emergency departments and SOS Médecins by children under 2 years of age for bronchiolitis continued to rise in week 42. These visits are linked to the gradual increase in RSV isolations over the same period. Some of these healthcare visits are also likely attributable to the circulation of rhinovirus, as reported by the laboratories at the Angers and Nantes university hospitals. The circulation of these respiratory viruses was also evident in the increase in SOS Médecins calls and emergency department visits for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) among children under 15 (primarily affecting those under 5).