Key Points

Viral circulation remains high in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, with the situation worsening among the most vulnerable

Since late August, the incidence rate has been above the alert threshold in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, reaching 51.3 per 100,000 residents in week 35 (August 24–30). Since then, this rate has continued to rise, reaching an incidence rate of 79.3 per 100,000 inhabitants in week 38. While the increase has tended to slow over the past two weeks, this trend does not necessarily reflect an improvement in the epidemiological situation but could be linked to the significant strain placed on diagnostic capacity by the spread of the epidemic (longer wait times for appointments, testing, and data consolidation).

While the virus continues to circulate widely among young adults, the rise in cases among those aged 75 and older is cause for concern. Indeed, the incidence rate in this age group continues to rise, reaching 60.8 per 100,000 inhabitants last week. Among those currently hospitalized for COVID-19 in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, nearly 75% are over 60 years old. The rise in these indicators underscores the need for heightened vigilance regarding older adults.

Increased use of emergency care for other winter-related conditions.

While the SARS-CoV-2 virus continues to spread, data from hospital emergency departments and SOS Médecins associations show an increase in care-seeking for other conditions. Indeed, an increase in cases of bronchiolitis, nasopharyngitis, and asthma has been observed among children since early September. While the peak in asthma cases is typically seen at the start of the school year, the proportion of cases in emergency departments and at SOS Médecins clinics for bronchiolitis and nasopharyngitis is higher than in previous years during this same period. Overutilization of healthcare services in an anxiety-inducing environment or an increase in viral transmission following several months of lockdown could explain this rise.