The number of cases of bronchiolitis begins to increase in France at the beginning of November, according to Public Health France. Several regions, overseas but also in mainland France, have been classified in the “epidemic phase”.
In the heart of autumn, and while temperatures are still mild, Public Health France has noted a rebound in the bronchiolitis epidemic on the national territory, particularly in overseas territories, but also in mainland France. Several regions have thus been classified in the “epidemic phase”, the most important for judging the presence of an epidemic in a territory. Health authorities recommend vaccination and respect for barrier gestures.
Bronchiolitis is a respiratory infection of the small bronchi caused by a widespread and highly contagious respiratory virus. This seasonal epidemic generally begins in mid-October and ends at the end of winter, with a peak during the month of December. This is a mild infection, but it can cause complications in infants.
If not taken care of and treated in time, bronchiolitis can cause secondary infection of the airways, dehydration or even respiratory distress with asphyxia. According to data from Public Health France, it affects 30% of infants under two years old each winter.
Guyana, Guadeloupe, Martinique and Île-de-France in “epidemic phase”
Among the most affected regions, we find Guadeloupe, as well as Martinique and Île-de-France, which join Guyana, placed in “epidemic phase” for three months now. The indicators are also increasing in Brittany, which has moved into the “pre-epidemic” phase, the second most important phase for judging the presence of an epidemic.
In its weekly bulletin, Public Health France specified that, “syndromic indicators linked to bronchiolitis are increasing in cities as well as in hospitals”. “Among the 1,552 children under 2 years old seen in the emergency room for bronchiolitis during the week between October 21 and 27, 497 were hospitalized, of which 470 were under 1 year old,” we can read in the bulletin.
Levels lower than previous years
The increase in cases of bronchiolitis in the territory must nevertheless be qualified, since Public Health France specifies that the syndromic indicators linked to bronchiolitis “remain at levels lower than those observed in the three years preceding the same period”.
In its press release, Public Health France also recalls “that in addition to existing vaccinations and preventive treatments, the adoption of barrier gestures remains essential to protect oneself”.
To do this, the national health agency recommends washing your hands frequently, regularly ventilating the rooms of your home, and wearing a mask in the event of symptoms (fever, sore throat or cough), in places frequented and in the presence of vulnerable people.
