Key Points

COVID-19

In Hauts-de-France, during Week 16, the epidemic situation continues to improve, with a decrease in viral circulation (TI) across all age groups and a declining SIDEP effective reproduction number (R-eff) that has remained significantly below 1 for the third consecutive week. The decrease in the incidence rate is associated with a significant drop in testing, largely due to Easter Monday and the spring break that began on April 9 in the region. This positive trend is particularly evident among those under 15, whereas among those over 65, although virological indicators are declining, the TI remains significantly higher than that observed among those under 65. Measures to control viral circulation among the most vulnerable, including those over 65, must be maintained. At the subregional level, SARS-CoV-2 circulation is decreasing across all territories.

Circulation of the Omicron variant remains virtually exclusive (99.9%) and is dominated by the BA.2 sublineage, which has increased transmissibility.

Both in the community and in hospitals, the number of people seeking care for suspected COVID-19 is stable or declining. However, the strain on healthcare resources remains significant, as evidenced by the increase in the SIVIC effective R value recorded this week and the persistently high number of patients hospitalized with SARS-CoV-2 infection in the region’s hospitals.

Influenza and Flu-Like Illnesses

In the epidemic phase for the 7th week. In S16, visits for flu-like symptoms were significantly decreasing in emergency departments, shifting from a high to a moderate level of activity. Due to a data transmission incident, data from three of the five SOS Médecins associations in the region have been unavailable since February 16. Data from the two SOS Médecins associations that are reporting show a clear decline in visits for influenza-like illness in the Saint-Quentin and Amiens areas. After a sharp decrease observed in Week 15, the incidence rate of influenza-like illnesses, as estimated by the Sentinelles network, remained stable in Week 16. The number of influenza viruses isolated in the laboratories of the Lille and Amiens university hospitals also decreased sharply.

Acute Gastroenteritis

In Week 16, emergency department visits for acute gastroenteritis (AGE), across all age groups, continued to decline. Due to a data transmission issue, data from three of the five SOS Médecins associations in the region have been unavailable since February 16. The incidence of acute diarrhea estimated by the Sentinelles network is stable. The number of enteric viruses isolated in the laboratories of the Lille and Amiens university hospitals is decreasing significantly.