Key Findings

• There has been an increase in all-cause mortality since Week 02. For people aged 85 and older, the increase began in Week 01.

• For the two SOS Médecins d'Alsace associations, activity related to influenza and influenza-like illnesses continues to rise and currently accounts for approximately 10% of each association’s caseload. Epidemiological surveillance of seasonal influenza indicates high activity in mainland France. In week 03, the Sentinelles network’s epidemic threshold was exceeded. The start of the epidemic will be declared if the threshold is crossed in week 04.

• Since September 1, 2014, 28 respiratory specimens have tested positive for the influenza virus, including 12 in week 02.

• Since Week 02, there has been an increase in severe influenza cases requiring hospitalization in intensive care. The 12 intensive care units in Alsace have reported 11 cases since November 1, 2014, including 6 in Colmar. All cases are linked to the influenza A virus. Unfortunately, the subtype of these viruses is unknown.

• In week 02 (January 5–11, 2015), 101 respiratory samples were collected; among the positive results: 15 were positive for rhinovirus and enterovirus (15%), 12 for influenza (12%), and 7 for RSV (7%).

• After peaking in week 52, the number of bronchiolitis diagnoses made by the SOS Médecins associations in Alsace has decreased. The proportion of bronchiolitis diagnoses represents just over 5% of the total activity of these associations in week 03.

• In week 03, the weekly number of diagnoses of gastroenteritis and diarrhea made by the SOS Médecins associations in Alsace decreased.