Key Points

COVID-19

SARS-CoV-2 viral circulation is increasing among those aged 65 and older, although the incidence rate remains the lowest among all age groups. The incidence rate is stagnating or decreasing in other age groups as testing rates decline overall (particularly among asymptomatic young people). The positivity rate is around 21% for those aged 65 and older and between 33% and 48% for other age groups. Testing activity is potentially underestimated since self-test results are not reported in SI-DEP.

The positivity rate continues to rise while the incidence rate is declining slightly. The situation varies by department: a decrease in the incidence rate in Côte-d’Or, Yonne, and Doubs versus an increase in the incidence rate in Haute-Saône and the Territoire-de-Belfort.

The number of new hospitalizations (n=819) is high but remains lower than that observed during the second wave (which peaked in early November 2020 with over 1,000 new hospitalizations). No decrease in hospital admissions in recent days. The number of critical care admissions, across all age groups, is increasing this week while remaining lower than in previous waves. The number of deaths in hospitals remains stable at a high level

Flu

• The region remains in the pre-epidemic phase. SOS Médecins activity related to influenza continues to decline this week, while activity in emergency departments is stabilizing.

• 5 ongoing outbreaks of acute respiratory infections (ARI) in communities (3 influenza-related outbreaks among the 20 reports since September 1, 2021).

• No new severe cases of influenza reported by the intensive care unit sentinel network this week (a total of 3 influenza cases admitted to intensive care).

Bronchiolitis

• The bronchiolitis epidemic continues to decline.

• The epidemic trend appears comparable to that observed during the 2019-20 season, with a peak in December and a decline continuing into January. The 2020-21 season was significantly impacted by the circulation of SARS-CoV-2 and containment measures (including lockdowns).

Gastroenteritis

• SOS Médecins activity has increased slightly this week while remaining within the range of the 2020-21 season.

• The rate of emergency department visits for gastroenteritis remains high and has increased slightly this week.