Key Points

COVID-19

• In Week 17, the decline in SARS-CoV-2 circulation in Normandy accelerated, with an incidence rate (IR) of 566 per 100,000 inhabitants (-41%) and a positivity rate of 29.8% (-7.5 percentage points).

• The decline in the IR was observed across all departments in Normandy and for all age groups, except among those under 20, where the IR stabilized. Furthermore, following the start of the school year, an increase in testing activity, associated with a rise in the IR, was observed among 3- to 14-year-olds.

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

• The trend in new hospitalizations and admissions to critical care units was downward, as was the number of people hospitalized in general wards and critical care units. The number of deaths in hospitals was also decreasing.

Influenza and influenza-like illness

• Post-epidemic phase.

• In week 17, all indicators were decreasing. The number of emergency department visits and SOS Médecins consultations for influenza-like illnesses was decreasing, to levels similar to those observed in 2019–2020. Activity levels were also decreasing in emergency departments and in community settings. The incidence rate of influenza-like illness reported by the Sentinelles network was stable. The number of isolated influenza viruses was decreasing (5 at the Caen University Hospital and 38 at the Rouen University Hospital); all were type A, with co-circulation of the AH3N2 and AH1N1 viruses.

• Among the 34 severe cases reported by the intensive care sentinel network, the median age was 62 years, and 25 (78%) had comorbidities. Only one had been vaccinated against influenza, while the case fatality rate was 24% (for 85% of reported outcomes).

Acute Gastroenteritis

The number of emergency department visits for acute gastroenteritis (AGE) across all age groups was decreasing, while the number of consultations with SOS Médecins was increasing. The proportion of SOS Médecins consultations and emergency department visits was at a moderate level and higher than in the 2019–2020 season. Among children under 5 years of age, the number of cases in emergency departments was decreasing, while the number of SOS Médecins visits remained stable. The incidence of acute diarrhea estimated by the Sentinelles network was increasing and at a level similar to that of 2019–2020.