The bronchiolitis epidemic remains at “a very high level” in mainland France, despite a change, “perhaps transitory”, after the All Saints school holidays, the health authorities observed on Wednesday.
If surveillance indicators in children under two years of age show a “decrease” in most metropolitan regions, Public Health France has warned that this reflux “may be transitory after Toussaint’s school holidays.”
If they have fallen, “hospitalizations for bronchiolitis represent for the second consecutive week half of hospitalizations after a visit to the emergency room in children under two years of age” in mainland France, the health agency underlines in its weekly report.
More than 5,000 visits to the emergency room in a week
A total of 5,565 children under the age of two attended the emergency room for bronchiolitis in mainland France in the week of November 7-13, 20% less than the previous week. Ultimately, some 2,027 children were hospitalized. Of those who were, 1,910 (94%) were under one year of age.
A week ago, Santé Publique France reported emergency room visits and hospitalizations at record levels “for more than 10 years.”
The intensity of the epidemic is more intense in the northern half of the metropolis and in Guadeloupe, according to the health agency. Mayotte has entered an epidemic phase.
Bronchiolitis, common and highly contagious, causes babies to cough and have labored, rapid, wheezing. If it is distressing to young parents, most of the time it is benign. In some cases, it may require an emergency room visit or even hospitalization.
Pediatric services under pressure
This epidemic has hit pediatric emergencies mired in a crisis linked to unsatisfactory working conditions and a lack of staff.
Under pressure, the Minister of Health launched a national emergency plan last Wednesday, says the ORSAN, planned for exceptional health situations, in order to “further strengthen the resources of the ARS (regional health agencies) and allow the whole hospital can focus on this particularly acute problem today”.
A week earlier, François Braun had announced new measures, in particular for pediatric services, for a total amount of around 400 million euros.
With this early and intense epidemic, “pediatric practices are also in a situation of saturation,” Brigitte Virey, president of France’s National Union of Pediatrics, said Tuesday in Le Monde.
Source: BFM TV
