Key Points

COVID-19

In the Grand Est region, the number of new cases stabilized in week 50 of 2021 (25,786 compared to 26,658 in week 49 of 2021). The same is true for the number of people tested (418,774 in week 50 of 2021 compared to 425,687 in week 49 of 2021). The incidence rate is also stabilizing, reaching 467.8 new cases per 100,000 inhabitants—well above the maximum alert threshold (set at 250 per 100,000 inhabitants)—as is the positivity rate (6.2% compared to 6.3% in week 49 of 2021).

Viral circulation continues to increase among those aged 20–29, with a 13% rise in incidence rates. In contrast, viral circulation is tending to stabilize among those aged 30–59, as well as among those aged 10–19 and those aged 80 and older. Viral circulation is beginning to decline among those aged 60–79 (–13% among those aged 60–69 and –11% among those aged 70–79) and among those aged 0–9 (–13%).

Bronchiolitis

• OSCOUR®: In Week 50 of 2021, the proportion of emergency department visits related to bronchiolitis among children under 2 years of age was 14%, stable compared to the previous week. There were 282 emergency department visits for bronchiolitis recorded in week 50, compared to 301 in week 49. The proportion of hospitalizations for bronchiolitis among all hospitalizations following an emergency department visit was 32% in week 50.

• SOS Médecins: In week 50 of 2021, the proportion of cases handled by SOS Médecins related to bronchiolitis in children under 2 years of age was 8%, stable compared to week 48 of 2021.

• Virology data: According to results from the virology laboratories at the University Hospitals of Nancy and Strasbourg in week 50 of 2021, the circulation of RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) remains at a high level in the region.