Key Points

COVID-19

In Week 15, SARS-CoV-2 circulation in Normandy was declining, although epidemic indicators remained at high levels. The regional incidence rate (IR) decreased by 23%, to 1,306 per 100,000 inhabitants. The positivity rate was on the rise (+1.8 percentage points), while the testing rate was declining (-26%). The IR decreased by more than 20% in all departments.

Regarding the distribution by age group, IRs were declining in all age groups, particularly among those under 20. The proportion of samples coded D1 (strong suspicion of Omicron) was 93.7%.

There was a decrease in the incidence of hospitalizations and critical care admissions (unconsolidated data). The number of hospitalized patients was increasing, while it was decreasing in critical care units. 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 decreasing, while it remained stable at a low level in long-term care facilities.

As of April 18, vaccination coverage among Normandy residents aged 12 and older was stable, with 74.5% having received a booster dose. Only 12.2% 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.

Influenza and flu-like illness

Epidemic phase (for 7 weeks).

In week 15, all indicators were declining. The number of emergency room visits and SOS Médecins consultations for flu-like symptoms was decreasing, though levels remained higher than those observed in 2019–2020. Activity levels were also declining in emergency rooms and in private practice. The incidence rate of influenza-like illnesses reported by the Sentinelles network was decreasing. The number of isolated influenza viruses was decreasing (19 at the Caen University Hospital and 280 at the Rouen University Hospital); all were type A, with co-circulation of the AH3N2 and AH1N1 viruses.

Among the 25 severe cases reported by the intensive care sentinel network, the median age was 63.9 years, 17 had comorbidities, and only one had been vaccinated against influenza.

Bronchiolitis

In week 15, the proportion of cases of bronchiolitis among children under 2 years of age in emergency departments and at SOS Médecins remained low and slightly higher than 2019–2020 levels. The number of visits to SOS Médecins was stable, while the number of emergency department visits was decreasing. A decrease in the number of hospitalizations following an emergency department visit was also observed. Detection of isolated RSV in hospitalized patients was sporadic and decreasing compared to week 14 (1 at Caen University Hospital and 1 at Rouen University Hospital).

Acute gastroenteritis

The proportion of acute gastroenteritis cases across all age groups in emergency departments and at SOS Médecins decreased in week 15 but remained at a high level, exceeding that of the 2019–2020 season. Among children under 5, the number of cases in emergency departments and SOS Médecins visits was decreasing. The incidence of acute diarrhea estimated by the Sentinelles network was decreasing but remained at a level higher than that of 2019–2020.