Key points

In mainland France

• The epidemiology of invasive bacterial infections monitored by the Epibac network shows a higher burden at the extremes of the life span. Among children under 1 year of age, the burden is primarily caused by Streptococcus agalactiae, followed by Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae. Among people aged 65 and older, the main pathogens involved are Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus agalactiae, and Streptococcus pyogenes.

• In 2024, the incidence increased for invasive infections caused by several airborne bacteria: Haemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Neisseria meningitidis.

• The incidence of Haemophilus influenzae reached a level never before observed since the start of surveillance. For Streptococcus pneumoniae and Neisseria meningitidis, incidence rates exceeded those of pre-pandemic years (notably 2018 and 2019).

• A decrease was observed in invasive Streptococcus pyogenes infections compared to the previous year, but levels remained high.

• The increase in the incidence of Listeria monocytogenes infections continued, and the incidence of invasive Streptococcus agalactiae infections remained stable.

In the French overseas departments and regions (excluding Mayotte)

• In 2024, Mayotte had the highest incidence rates for invasive infections caused by Haemophilus influenzae and Streptococcus pyogenes.

• Compared to mainland France, the incidence of invasive Streptococcus agalactiae infections remained higher across all overseas departments and regions (DROM), particularly in French Guiana.