Key Highlights

• End of influenza activity in mainland France, both nationally and regionally. In Lorraine, as in France, the 2011–2012 season was characterized by a moderate influenza epidemic, with the A(H3N2) virus being the predominant strain. In mainland France, the flu epidemic lasted 8 weeks (weeks 5 through 12) according to data from the Sentinelles network. In Lorraine, the impact of the flu on the activity of emergency facilities and the SOS Médecin de Lorraine association began somewhat later.

• However, it is important to remain vigilant, particularly in facilities housing the elderly, due to the continued sporadic circulation of influenza viruses and other respiratory pathogens.

• The 2011–2012 season was marked by a high number of clustered cases of acute respiratory infections (ARI) in elderly care facilities in the region.

• For the past three weeks, bronchiolitis activity at the regional level has been low.

• Activity related to gastroenteritis in emergency departments in Lorraine has decreased over the past two weeks. This trend is less evident for the SOS Médecins association in Meurthe-et-Moselle.