News

• Winter mortality: A 17% increase in all-cause mortality compared to expected mortality—representing 1,304 additional deaths—was recorded in the Rhône-Alpes region between December 29, 2014, and March 29, 2015 (S01-S13). This phenomenon was observed across all regions. However, mortality has been decreasing over the past three weeks, according to the latest data, which are still provisional.

• Survey of Nursing Homes: On May 4, a survey will begin to evaluate the surveillance system for acute respiratory infections (ARI) and acute gastroenteritis (AGE) in nursing homes in the Rhône-Alpes region. The survey aims to identify knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding the system, and to understand nursing homes’ perceptions of its usefulness and that of its tools. This survey consists of an anonymous questionnaire. All facilities, including those that have not had to deal with clusters of ARI or AGE cases, are invited to respond between May 4 and June 14, 2015. These facilities will receive a link via email to access the online survey in early May. This survey, led by the Cire, was developed in partnership with Arlin and the ARS, and in collaboration with the Association of Coordinating Physicians for Nursing Homes in the Rhône region.

• Allergies: This week’s allergy risk is primarily due to ash, poplar, and birch pollen. To track pollen levels: National Aerobiological Surveillance Network website

• HCSP Advisory: - Drug-resistant tuberculosis: Guidelines for the diagnosis and management of drug-resistant tuberculosis: a report and two advisories available online on the HCSP website - Infant vaccination. Role of the Hexyon® hexavalent vaccine - Gastroenteritis caused by enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli. Recommended course of action.