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Flu: an epidemic of rare intensity, Guadeloupe under pressure
The flu epidemic continues to intensify in mainland France and Guadeloupe. Public Health France describes it as an epidemic of rare intensity. The circulating variant is particularly contagious.
The "stress management" plan has been activated at the University Hospital, even before the emergency plan. This is especially concerning given that gastroenteritis is also emerging.
By
Peggy Robert,Francois-Joseph Ousselin,Bruno Pansiot-Villon,Yasmina Yacou
Published on January 6, 2026 at 12:40 PM
Since mid-December, influenza activity has continued to spread both in cities and hospitals, across all age groups and in all French regions. Metropolitan France and its overseas territories are now experiencing an epidemic, with the exception of Réunion, which has already been affected by a first wave and is now threatened by a resurgence.
Guadeloupe has been experiencing an epidemic for three weeks. This is primarily due to influenza A, particularly the K variant of the H3N2 virus, known for its high transmissibility.
Viral circulation is expected in a context of low vaccination coverage, recalls Dr. Bruno Jarrige, medical director of crisis at the University Hospital of Guadeloupe.
"As every year, the flu has arrived as expected, with a significant impact anticipated, as it was last year, since our population has a very low vaccination rate."
Dr. Bruno Jarrige, medical director of crisis management at the University Hospital of Guadeloupe
Cases have been increasing since the beginning of December, and the start of the year looks difficult, the healthcare worker insists.
"I think January and February are going to be complicated, like last year, with a significant impact on patient care."
Dr. Bruno Jarrige, medical director of crisis management at the University Hospital of Guadeloupe
Faced with a steady increase in the number of flu patients, the hospital has had to adapt. " The flow of flu patients has been steadily increasing since the beginning of December, " noted Dr. Jarrige. To cope with this, the university hospital has reinforced its medical staff, particularly in the emergency department.
"We have increased the number of doctors present in the emergency department. There are additional doctors compared to usual times to care for these increasingly numerous patients."
Dr. Bruno Jarrige, medical director of crisis management at the University Hospital of Guadeloupe
Hospital pressure is also impacting capacity. The number of beds has been increased in some departments. This proactive approach also extends to critical care: "We have prepared for the reopening of the intensive care unit set up during the Covid pandemic, in the former cafeteria, so that we are ready to accommodate intensive care beds."
Since the beginning of December, the situation has already been worrying. "More than twenty Guadeloupean patients with the flu have been admitted to intensive care," emphasizes Dr. Bruno Jarrige.
At this stage, the Guadeloupe University Hospital has not yet activated its emergency plan. The contingency plan remains in effect, with the emergency plan being the next step should the situation worsen.
Another condition under surveillance at the very beginning of 2026 is gastroenteritis. In mainland France, during the last week of 2025, the incidence rate of acute diarrhea cases observed in general practice was lower than the previous week and remained below the levels usually recorded at this time of year. However, the situation can change rapidly. Three regions currently stand out: Grand Est, Occitanie, and Brittany. At this stage, no data is yet available for the French Antilles and French Guiana.
https://la1ere.franceinfo.fr/guadel...-rare-la-guadeloupe-sous-tension-1658960.html
Flu: an epidemic of rare intensity, Guadeloupe under pressure
The flu epidemic continues to intensify in mainland France and Guadeloupe. Public Health France describes it as an epidemic of rare intensity. The circulating variant is particularly contagious.
The "stress management" plan has been activated at the University Hospital, even before the emergency plan. This is especially concerning given that gastroenteritis is also emerging.
By
Peggy Robert,Francois-Joseph Ousselin,Bruno Pansiot-Villon,Yasmina Yacou
Published on January 6, 2026 at 12:40 PM
Since mid-December, influenza activity has continued to spread both in cities and hospitals, across all age groups and in all French regions. Metropolitan France and its overseas territories are now experiencing an epidemic, with the exception of Réunion, which has already been affected by a first wave and is now threatened by a resurgence.
Guadeloupe has been experiencing an epidemic for three weeks. This is primarily due to influenza A, particularly the K variant of the H3N2 virus, known for its high transmissibility.
Viral circulation is expected in a context of low vaccination coverage, recalls Dr. Bruno Jarrige, medical director of crisis at the University Hospital of Guadeloupe.
"As every year, the flu has arrived as expected, with a significant impact anticipated, as it was last year, since our population has a very low vaccination rate."
Dr. Bruno Jarrige, medical director of crisis management at the University Hospital of Guadeloupe
Cases have been increasing since the beginning of December, and the start of the year looks difficult, the healthcare worker insists.
"I think January and February are going to be complicated, like last year, with a significant impact on patient care."
Dr. Bruno Jarrige, medical director of crisis management at the University Hospital of Guadeloupe
Faced with a steady increase in the number of flu patients, the hospital has had to adapt. " The flow of flu patients has been steadily increasing since the beginning of December, " noted Dr. Jarrige. To cope with this, the university hospital has reinforced its medical staff, particularly in the emergency department.
"We have increased the number of doctors present in the emergency department. There are additional doctors compared to usual times to care for these increasingly numerous patients."
Dr. Bruno Jarrige, medical director of crisis management at the University Hospital of Guadeloupe
Hospital pressure is also impacting capacity. The number of beds has been increased in some departments. This proactive approach also extends to critical care: "We have prepared for the reopening of the intensive care unit set up during the Covid pandemic, in the former cafeteria, so that we are ready to accommodate intensive care beds."
Since the beginning of December, the situation has already been worrying. "More than twenty Guadeloupean patients with the flu have been admitted to intensive care," emphasizes Dr. Bruno Jarrige.
At this stage, the Guadeloupe University Hospital has not yet activated its emergency plan. The contingency plan remains in effect, with the emergency plan being the next step should the situation worsen.
Another condition under surveillance at the very beginning of 2026 is gastroenteritis. In mainland France, during the last week of 2025, the incidence rate of acute diarrhea cases observed in general practice was lower than the previous week and remained below the levels usually recorded at this time of year. However, the situation can change rapidly. Three regions currently stand out: Grand Est, Occitanie, and Brittany. At this stage, no data is yet available for the French Antilles and French Guiana.
https://la1ere.franceinfo.fr/guadel...-rare-la-guadeloupe-sous-tension-1658960.html