National News as of March 8, 2012

Update on seasonal influenza in mainland France

The epidemic peak has likely been passed this week, though this will need to be confirmed next week (incidence rate of 486 cases per 100,000 inhabitants). Since the start of the epidemic, 150 severe cases have been reported, primarily among adults, and more than 500 clusters of flu-like illness have been reported by facilities caring for the elderly (Ehapd). The predominant virus circulating this year is A(H3N2). More virulent than the A(H1N1) strain, it is known to affect the elderly in particular, which justifies the implementation, at the request of the Ministry of Health, of specific measures within nursing homes (enhanced hygiene measures, prescription of antivirals, etc.). Furthermore, the National Influenza Reference Center and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) report the circulation in France and Europe of A(H3N2) viruses that are variants of the vaccine strain. This phenomenon may reduce the vaccine’s protective effect, particularly among the most vulnerable individuals, such as the elderly.

Since the project’s launch in January 2012, more than 4,200 people from all departments have registered with GrippeNet.fr. In week 9, 68% of participants reported no symptoms. If you would also like to participate in influenza surveillance or obtain more information about the project, please visit the website: https://grippenet.fr/

Trends in indicators in Aquitaine for the week of February 27, 2012, to March 4, 2012

• Influenza: epidemic peak passed (to be confirmed next week) (pages 3 and 4)

• Bronchiolitis: moderate activity

• Gastroenteritis: decreasing for SOS Médecins and in emergency departments

• Activity in private practice and hospital emergency departments: stable for SOS Médecins and in emergency departments