Headlines - Epidemiological Situation of Influenza and Acute Gastroenteritis in France

During week 52/2012 in outpatient care, the incidence rate of consultations for influenza-like illness, based on data from the Unified Network, was 331 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, continuing to rise from the previous week and exceeding the epidemic threshold for the second consecutive week, thus confirming the start of the epidemic. In long-term care facilities for the elderly, since week 40 of 2012, 108 outbreaks of acute respiratory infections (ARI) have been reported to the InVS, 28 of which met the criteria for severity. Since surveillance resumed on November 1, 2012, 36 severe cases have been reported to the InVS, mostly among adults with risk factors, infected with the A(H1N1) pdm09 virus. Three deaths occurred. Regarding virological surveillance, since week 40 of 2012, the network of hospital laboratories (RENAL) has identified 339 influenza viruses: 65% (n=220) were type A (5% A(H3N2), 16% A(H1N1) pdm09, and 44% un-subtyped A) and 35% (n=119) were type B. Activity related to acute gastroenteritis during week 52 has increased significantly in urban areas and hospitals compared to previous weeks. The epidemic threshold has been exceeded for the first week of this season, according to data from the Sentinelles Network. A second consecutive week of exceeding the threshold will be required to confirm the onset of the gastroenteritis epidemic.