Key Points

COVID-19

In Week 16, all virological indicators pointed to a slowdown in SARS-CoV-2 circulation in Normandy, with an incidence rate (IR) (adjusted for the effect of the holiday) of 961 per 100,000 inhabitants(-27%) and a positivity rate of 37.2% (-2.1 percentage points).

The decrease in the IR was observed across all departments in Normandy and for all age groups, particularly among those under 20 (likely due to school holidays).

In the pre-hospital setting, activity in emergency departments and the number of SOS Médecins calls for suspected COVID-19 were decreasing.

The trend in new hospitalizations and critical care admissions was downward (unconsolidated data), but the number of hospitalized patients continued to rise in both general wards and critical care units. The number of in-hospital deaths remained stable.

Influenza and influenza-like illness

Epidemic phase (for 8 weeks). In week 16, all indicators were decreasing. The number of emergency department visits and SOS Médecins consultations for influenza-like illnesses was decreasing, with levels similar to those observed in 2019–2020. Activity levels were also decreasing in emergency departments as well as in community settings. The incidence rate of influenza-like illness reported by the Sentinelles network was decreasing. The number of isolated influenza viruses was decreasing (5 at Caen University Hospital and 128 at Rouen University Hospital); all were type A, with co-circulation of AH3N2 and AH1N1 viruses.

Acute Gastroenteritis

The number of emergency department visits for acute gastroenteritis across all age groups was decreasing, while it was increasing for SOS Médecins consultations. The proportion of SOS Médecins consultations and emergency department visits remained at a high level, exceeding that of the 2019–2020 season. Among children under 5, the number of emergency department visits and SOS Médecins consultations was decreasing. The incidence of acute diarrhea estimated by the Sentinelles network was decreasing and at a level similar to that of 2019–2020.