Key points

COVID-19

In Week 14, the circulation of SARS-CoV-2 in Normandy appeared to be stabilizing, although epidemic indicators remained at very high levels. The regional incidence rate (IR) decreased by 4%, to 1,682 per 100,000 inhabitants. The positivity rate (+1 percentage point) was on the rise, while the testing rate was declining (-6%). The decrease in the IR was observed in all departments except Orne, where it was increasing (+8%). Regarding the distribution by age group, IRs were decreasing among those under 20 as well as among those aged 20–49.

The proportion of samples coded D1 (strong suspicion of Omicron) was 94.7%.

There was an increase in the number of new admissions to critical care (unconsolidated data). The incidence of hospitalizations across all departments was decreasing, while the prevalence was increasing. Emergency department activity for suspected COVID-19 and the number of procedures performed by SOS Médecins associations were decreasing. The number of deaths in hospitals was increasing, while it remained stable in long-term care facilities.

As of April 11, vaccination coverage among Normans aged 12 and older was stable, with 74.4% having received a booster dose. Only 8.0% of those aged 80 and older had received their booster dose, which is recommended for this age group as well as for nursing home residents and immunocompromised individuals.

Flu

In week 14, the number of emergency department visits remained stable, while the number of flu-related consultations at SOS Médecins saw a slight increase, exceeding the peak observed in 2019–2020. Regarding the volume of activity, it remained stable in emergency departments as well as in private practice. The incidence rate of influenza-like illness reported by the Sentinelles network was increasing. The number of isolated influenza viruses was decreasing (73 at Caen University Hospital and 253 at Rouen University Hospital); all were type A, with co-circulation of the AH3N2 and AH1N1 viruses.

Among the 19 severe cases reported by the intensive care sentinel network, the median age was 64 years, 14 had comorbidities, and none had been vaccinated against the flu.

Bronchiolitis

In week 14, the proportion of cases of bronchiolitis among children under 2 years of age in emergency departments and at SOS Médecins remained low and close to the 2019–2020 level. The number of visits to SOS Médecins was slightly higher, while the number of visits to emergency departments decreased slightly. There was also a decrease in the number of hospitalizations following a visit to the emergency department. The number of isolated RSV cases among hospitalized patients remained stable compared to week 13, at a low level (0 at Caen University Hospital and 5 at Rouen University Hospital).

Acute gastroenteritis

The proportion of acute gastroenteritis cases across all age groups in emergency departments and at SOS Médecins showed a slight decrease in week 14 and remained at a high level, exceeding that of the 2019–2020 season. Among children under 5, the number of cases in emergency departments was slightly decreasing, while it was increasing for SOS Médecins. The incidence of acute diarrhea estimated by the Sentinelles network was decreasing and remained higher than in 2019–2020.