Key Points

COVID-19

SARS-CoV-2 viral circulation is rising sharply across all age groups, except among 15- to 24-year-olds, despite a declining testing rate. The positivity rate is around 18% for those aged 65 and older and between 29% and 44% for other age groups. These indicators do not include results from self-tests (not reported in SI-DEP), which lead some people to confirm the result via PCR or TAG.

SARS-CoV-2 is circulating at high levels throughout the region, with incidence rates ranging from 2.6% to 4.2%.

COVID-19-related activity in emergency departments and community organizations is on the rise. The number of new hospitalizations has been increasing, particularly among those under 40 over the past three weeks, while it is decreasing in critical care units.

Flu

• The region remains in the pre-epidemic phase. Flu-related activity among SOS Médecins has decreased slightly this week, and activity in emergency departments has stabilized.

• Four ongoing outbreaks of acute respiratory infections (ARI) in communities (2 influenza-related outbreaks 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

• Post-epidemic phase for the second consecutive week. The bronchiolitis epidemic continues to decline.

• The epidemic dynamics appear comparable to the trend 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 continues to decline, reaching the level seen during the 2020-2021 season.

• The rate of emergency department visits for gastroenteritis remains high.