Key Points

COVID-19

• In week 48, Normandy continues to experience a sharp increase in SARS-CoV-2 transmission, with a regional incidence rate (IR) of 238 per 100,000 inhabitants—an increase of more than 30% compared to the previous week.

• In schools, a sharp increase in the incidence rate is again observed among 6- to 10-year-olds (510 per 100,000), and more than half of the reported clusters are located in school and university settings.

• At the departmental level, IR values ranged from 205 per 100,000 inhabitants (Manche) to 290 per 100,000 inhabitants (Orne). The increase was most pronounced in Eure and Calvados, with rises of 42% and 41%, respectively, compared to week 1.

• At the same time, the number of emergency room visits, new hospitalizations in general wards, and new admissions to intensive care units again saw sharp increases, leading to significant strain on hospitals and the activation of emergency protocols at five hospitals in the region, including the Rouen University Hospital.

• As of December 7, 92.7% of Normandy residents aged 12 and older had received at least one dose of the vaccine, and 91.5% were fully vaccinated. Among those aged 75 and older, 61.0% had received a booster dose.

• Against the backdrop of increased circulation of SARS-CoV-2 and seasonal viruses, particularly among the elderly, it is essential to encourage vaccination among those who have not yet been vaccinated, as well as the administration of booster shots to eligible individuals (including those aged 65 and older), and to maintain high adherence to preventive measures, given the effectiveness of these measures observed to date in containing the epidemic and preserving the healthcare system.

Influenza

Non-epidemic phase: in week 48, activity for flu-like symptoms remained low. Visits to emergency departments were on the rise and followed a trend similar to that of 2019–2020. The number of influenza viruses detected by virology laboratories was on the rise (4 at Rouen University Hospital and 3 at Caen University Hospital) in Normandy. The incidence rate reported by the sentinel network was stable and at a level similar to the previous year.

Bronchiolitis

Epidemic phase: In week 48, emergency department visits for bronchiolitis were on the rise, and activity remained high and similar to the 2019–2020 season. The number of hospitalizations was also increasing (+20.5%). The number of RSV isolates in hospitalized patients was decreasing (28 at Caen University Hospital and 34 at Rouen University Hospital). During the weekend of December 3–5, 2021, the number of children seen by the Bronchiolitis Network (142 children) and the number of physical therapy sessions performed (220 sessions) were also increasing compared to the previous weekend.

Gastroenteritis

Activity related to gastroenteritis in emergency departments increased in week 48 and remained at a high level, exceeding that of previous seasons. The incidence of acute diarrhea estimated by the Sentinelles network was stable and similar to that of the 2020–2021 season.