Headlines - Preliminary Report on the Surveillance of Severe Influenza Cases Admitted to Intensive Care Units

Since November 1, 2012, 30 severe cases of influenza admitted to intensive care units in Poitou-Charentes (21 cases) and Limousin (9 cases) have been reported to the regional InVS unit. The breakdown of reports by department is as follows: 12 in Vienne, 5 in Charente, 4 in Charente-Maritime, 3 in Creuse, and 6 in Haute-Vienne. The peak in admissions was observed in week 11 (March 11–17). The last case was admitted on April 11. Most severe cases were infected with type A virus (73%), and 83% of them had a risk factor (see table below). The ages of the cases ranged from 31 to 83 years. One death was reported. The number of severe cases is significantly higher than that recorded last season (n=7).