France - COVID-19 – Update on August 30, 2023: continued increase in indicators and increased vigilance on cases grouped in medico-social establishmen

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Bayonne celebrations: the Covid-19 is blazing among the festayres

From Fanny Narvarte
Friday, August 4, 2023 at 5:30 a.m.
By France Blue Basque Country , France Blue Bearn Bigorre , France Blue

A few days after the Bayonne celebrations, the first symptoms of Covid-19 appeared in dozens of festayres. Several pharmacies ran out of self-tests as of Tuesday August 1.

It was a replay to be expected. Many cases of Covid-19 were detected in festayres after the Bayonne celebrations which ended on Sunday July 30. More than 1.3 million people took part in the five days of celebrations. Result, rush on self-tests. Already at the beginning of the week, several pharmacies in the Bayonne area were out of stock. "I had around forty in stock, and everything left between Monday and Tuesday. From two self-tests per week, we went to around fifteen per day", explains Cécile Rigaudières, from the Rigaudières pharmacy in Bayonne.

Rise in laboratories

The same is true for laboratories, where the number of screening appointments has increased significantly. Alexandra Fauvelle is a nurse at the Somed center at the Arsenal in Bayonne. " In three days, I did about thirty tests. Between 70 and 80% of the antigen tests are positive ." An increase also confirmed on the side of the Axbio laboratories , where " we went from 20% of positive cases the week before the Holidays, to 35% after in the south of the Landes and in the Bayonnaise agglomeration ", details Sébastien Boucher the president of the laboratories.

Nothing alarming

On the side of Public Health France, there is also an increase in cases, which nevertheless remains marginal. “ We are at 13 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. We remain at a low level of circulation, and for the moment, there are no serious cases in the hospital ”, assures Laurent Filleul, head of the regional cell Nouvelle -Aquitaine to Public Health France.
This is far from the more than 100 cases per 100,000 inhabitants affected in the midst of the Covid crisis.

Even if the increase is real, there is therefore also nothing to really worry about, underline the health professionals. The health protocol in the event of a positive test has also changed since February 1: it is no longer necessary to isolate yourself as soon as you are positive. It is now the attending physician who must issue a work stoppage for the most serious cases, but it is no longer automatic. " It's really a test for information, but I think you still have to tell your relatives and your employer when you're positive ," explains Rémi, pharmacy assistant at Petit Bayonne.

On the Spanish side, the trend is also confirmed. Pharmacies went from selling 300 tests per day to more than 1,000 after local holidays, according to the daily El diario Vasco .


https://www.francebleu.fr/infos/san...ne-le-covid-flambe-chez-les-festayres-8355301

 

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THE COVID-19 IS CIRCULATING AGAIN THIS SUMMER IN FRANCE, WITH A NEW VARIANT

Sophie Cazaux
THE 08/10/2023 at 11:56

Emergency and SOS Médecins indicators point to a slight upsurge in Covid-19. It is linked to several factors, including a new variant, EG.5.1, and a summer context that favors major events.

A sign that shows that the virus has not disappeared . Several indicators point to a slight recovery in the Covid-19 epidemic at the start of August. According to data from the Oscour network (Organization for Coordinated Emergency Surveillance), emergency room visits for suspected Covid-19 are on the rise among children under 2 and adults for the week of July 31 to August 6.

In its bulletin published on Tuesday, the network reports a 56% increase in emergency visits for this reason among children under 2 years old, 25% among 15-74 year olds and 34% among those over 74 years old. The previous bulletin , which covered the week of July 24 to 30, had already noted an increase in passages for suspected Covid-19 infection.

The increase is particularly marked in Pays de la Loire, Normandy, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté and Nouvelle-Aquitaine in particular. However, the numbers concerned remain moderate, with 485 visits in one week at the national level for 15-74 year olds, for example.

For this same week, SOS Médecins also notes an 85% increase in medical acts for suspicion of Covid-19, all age groups combined.

Eris, a new variant that emerges

This epidemic recovery has several causes, explains epidemiologist Mircea Sofonea to Parisian . He mentions "the effectiveness of the vaccine which wanes over time, and therefore protects less well", a summer context which is "conducive to the spread of the virus, with events of great promiscuity such as the Bayonne Festival or festivals " and "viral evolution", with the Eris variant in particular.

This EG.5.1 variant has been designated "next to follow" by the World Health Organization. This UN agency explains in a note published on Wednesday that several countries with an increasing prevalence of this variant have also seen an increase in their number of cases and hospitalizations, but that this does not necessarily mean that the severity of the disease disease increases with this variant.

https://www.bfmtv.com/sante/le-covi...-avec-un-nouveau-variant_AN-202308100270.html

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National information bulletin OSCOUR of August 8, 2023

Posted on August 9, 2023
Updated on August 9, 2023

Key points

In week 31 (from July 31 to August 6, 2023), visits to the emergency room and post-visit hospitalizations continue to decline among children (-6% or -4,147 visits and -7% or -452 hospitalizations) and are stable among the adults.

Visits for suspected COVID-19 are on the rise among children under 2 and adults with numbers remaining moderate:

111 passages in S31 vs 71 in S30 (+56%) in children under 2 years old
485 passages in S31 vs 389 in S30 (+25%) among 15-74 year olds
324 passages in S31 vs 242 in S30 (+34%) in people aged 75 and over

The regions most affected by this increase are the Pays de la Loire (+210% or +21 visits), Normandy (+71% or +15 visits), Bourgogne-Franche-Comté (+67% or +10 visits) , Nouvelle-Aquitaine (+55% or +62 passages), Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes (+35% or +18 passages), Brittany (+36% or +14 passages), PACA (+33% or +36 passages) and Occitanie (+31% or +27 passages).

Most of the other seasonal and non-specific indicators are decreasing or stable in all age groups.

Note, however, the visits to the emergency room for viral meningitis, which are increasing in small numbers among children (+11% or +4 visits) with levels that remain significantly higher than those of the last three years, as well as a slight increase in the varicella in children under 2 years old (+10% or +13 episodes) and 15-74 year olds (+42% or +18 episodes).

Regarding mental health, we note an increase in passages for suicidal gesture among those under 15 (+26% or +22 passages).
...
https://www.santepubliquefrance.fr/...-national-d-information-oscour-du-8-aout-2023

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COVID-19 – Update on August 11, 2023: vigilance continues

Since July 1, information systems relating to the surveillance of COVID-19 have evolved. Public Health France continues to monitor the epidemic, on the basis of the systems in place, through its multi-source system which makes it possible to assess its evolution. This system is based on indicators relating to genomic surveillance, recourse to SOS Médecins associations, hospital emergencies and deaths. In week 31 (from July 31 to August 6, 2023), a slight increase in the indicators is observed but they remain at low levels. The current situation requires us to remain vigilant and Public Health France, as well as the health authorities, remain fully mobilized.

Posted on August 11, 2023

A very low level of incidence

In week 31 (from July 31 to August 6, 2023), an increase in the number of emergency visits for COVID-19 of all ages is observed (928 in W31 vs 712 in W30) in France, remaining at low levels. The proportion of hospitalizations after passages remains stable.
SOS Médecins medical procedures for suspected COVID-19 are also increasing, with 1,512 procedures in week 31 vs 822 in week 30.
It is important to note that the numbers remain at low levels regarding syndromic data.
To know more :

• National information bulletin OSCOUR of August 8, 2023
• National information bulletin SOS Médecins of August 7, 2023

The incidence [SUP]*[/SUP] of COVID-19 in France shows a 24.6% increase compared to week 30 from 6.2 to 7.7/100,000 inhabitants, at very low levels. The incidence rate increases in all age groups, but is most marked in 40-49 year olds (+38.8% compared to week 30).

The current situation requires us to remain vigilant and the monitoring systems in place make it possible to assess its evolution. With the low incidence levels currently observed, it is not unusual to observe fluctuations or localized active circulation phenomena, which will not necessarily result in large waves. Nevertheless, it remains important to maintain SARS-CoV-2 surveillance based on the systems in place, in particular syndromic surveillance (SOS Médecins and OSCOUR networks), ESMS surveillance and genomic surveillance.

*Note that incidence rates should be interpreted with caution, as this indicator only reflects laboratory-confirmed cases and not the actual situation (less testing overall and uptake of testing may vary over time; not taking into account the results of the self-tests). These data do, however, make it possible to assess development trends.

A limited and localized increase in the southwest

Most of the positive cases reported during week 31 come from 5 regions: Nouvelle Aquitaine (n=789), Occitanie (n=730), Ile-de-France (n=689), Provence-Alpes-Côte d' Azur (n=638) and Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes (n=541).

Nevertheless, the available data suggest that the increase at national level is mainly driven by the New Aquitaine region, in particular departments 40 (Landes) and 64 (Pyrénées Atlantiques): laboratory data and those of the SOS Médecins and OSCOUR networks are consistent in this sense. This localized increase in the territory can be explained mainly by the large gathering that took place in Bayonne (Fêtes de Bayonne, from July 26 to 30), and other local summer festivals of the same type whose conditions in terms of population density may have facilitated transmission.

While a more limited increase in the number of cases is observed in all regions, most cases have been reported in busy holiday regions, highlighting the additional role of other types of holiday gatherings. This increase could therefore continue or fluctuate at the start of the school year.

Public Health France is continuing to monitor the epidemic through the systems in place which make it possible to assess its evolution.

More information :

• Monitoring for COVID-19 from July 1, 2023 .
• Consult the epidemiological points in the regions .

Adherence to preventive measures remains necessary

Respect for barrier gestures is always essential. Isolation in the event of a positive test for COVID-19 and/or symptoms and the maintenance of the application of barrier gestures: wearing a mask, in particular in the presence of the elderly or in the event of crowding in closed spaces ( including public transport) or during large gatherings, as well as hand washing and ventilation of enclosed areas.

Vaccination against COVID-19, especially for people at risk, remains important and the flu and COVID-19 vaccination campaign launched this fall will be the subject of a future communication.

What do we know about the EG.5.1 sublineage of the EG.5 variant?

EG.5 is a sublineage of XBB.1.9 whose first detected sequence dates back to mid-February 2023. Nearly 90% of global sequences of EG.5 correspond to its sublineage EG.5.1. Genetically, EG.5 remains close to the other XBB.1.9 and data published in pre-print (not reviewed by pairs) are in favor of cross-protection with the other sub-lineages of XBB.

At the beginning of May, the detection of EG.5 worldwide started to increase, driven by a circulation in Asia (China, Japan and South Korea). Since then, an increase in EG.5 has been observed in North America and Europe.

EG.5 accounted for 12% of global sequences in week 28 (compared to 11% in week 27 and 10% in week 26). Compared to previous variants, the increase in EG.5 therefore follows a rather slow dynamic. Moreover, EG.5 seems to be stabilizing around 45% in China and between 15 and 20% in Japan and South Korea. These elements support a relatively weak growth advantage of EG.5 compared to other currently circulating variants.

In metropolitan France, an increase in the detection of EG.5.1 is observed: it represented 26% of the interpretable sequences of the Flash survey of 07/17/2023 against 15% during the Flash survey of 07/10, this which is consistent with the global situation.

EG.5 was classified VUM (Variant Under Monitoring – variant under investigation) by the WHO on 07/19/2023, then VOI (Variant Of Interest – variant to follow) on 08/09/2023 following the increase in its detection in several regions of the world since week 21 (22-28 May 2023). At this stage, the WHO indicates that there is no evidence in favor of a change in severity of EG.5.

1. More information: Tracking SARS-CoV-2 variants (who.int)

https://www.santepubliquefrance.fr/...ion-au-11-aout-2023-la-vigilance-se-maintient
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COVID-19 – Update on August 30, 2023: continued increase in indicators and increased vigilance on cases grouped in medico-social establishments

Santé publique France publishes an update on August 30, 2023 on the evolution of the number of cases of COVID-19 in France as part of its epidemic monitoring system.

Posted on September 1, 2023

Since July 1, information systems relating to the surveillance of COVID-19have evolved. Public Health France continues to monitor the epidemic through its multi-source system which makes it possible to assess its evolution. This system is based in particular on indicators relating to syndromic surveillance (use of SOS Médecins associations and hospital emergencies, mortality) and virological (neoSIDEP) and genomic surveillance. In week 34 (from August 21 to 27, 2023), the slight increase in indicators already observed in the previous weeks continues but at a slower rate and the indicators still remain at low levels. The current situation requires us to remain vigilant and Public Health France, as well as the health authorities, remain fully mobilized.

A still low level of incidence

In week 34 (from August 21 to 27, 2023), the number of emergency room visits for suspected COVID-19 of all ages remains on the rise, less markedly than in week 33 (2,696 in W34 vs 2,196 in W33 , i.e. +23% whereas the increase was +44% between W33 and W32) in France. The proportion of hospitalizations after going to the emergency room remains stable and intensive care hospitalizations remain at a very low level.

SOS Médecins medical procedures for suspected COVID-19 also increased less markedly, with 2,853 procedures in week 34 vs 2,674 in week 33, i.e. +7% (the increase was +41% between W33 and W32).

It is important to note that these numbers remain at low levels compared to the levels observed during previous epidemic waves.

To know more :

• National information bulletin OSCOUR of August 29, 2023
• SOS Médecins national information bulletin of August 28, 2023

The incidence* of COVID-19 in France continues to increase, but slightly slower than last week, going from 18 to 24 laboratory-confirmed cases per 100,000 inhabitants (i.e. +33%), remaining however at very low levels (16,613 cases in S34). The incidence rate increases in all age groups, but is highest among those aged 70 and over (incidence rate of 75 among those aged 90 and over; 52 among those aged 80-89 and 34 among those aged 70 -79 years).

The current situation requires us to remain vigilant and the monitoring systems in place make it possible to assess its evolution. With the low incidence levels currently observed, it is not unusual to observe fluctuations or localized active circulation phenomena, which will not necessarily result in large waves. Nevertheless, it remains important to maintain SARS-CoV-2 surveillance based on the systems in place, in particular syndromic surveillance (SOS Médecins and OSCOUR networks, all-cause mortality and electronic certification of deaths) and virological and genomic surveillance.

*Note that incidence rates should be interpreted with caution, as this indicator only reflects laboratory-confirmed cases and not the actual situation (less testing overall and uptake of testing may vary over time; not taking into account the results of tests carried out in pharmacies or self-tests). However, these data help to assess trends.

A high number of cases grouped in medico-social establishments (EMS)

Since the launch of the new surveillance of clusters of acute respiratory infections in week 25, there has been an increase in reports. An upward trend has been observed since week 27, with a significant increase during week 32 (93 new episodes vs 45 episodes in W31). The number of new ARI episodes over the past two weeks remains at a high level (79 episodes in W33 and 60 episodes in W34, non-consolidated data). Protection against severe forms induced by previous vaccinations has undoubtedly decreased, the last booster shots being sometimes old and the vaccination coverage achieved after the spring campaign, which particularly targeted people aged 80 and over, remained low (9.5% for the recall of residents in EHPAD). For this reason,

Increase continues in most regions

Most of the laboratory-confirmed positive cases in week 34 come from the same six regions as last week: Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur (PACA, n=2,244), Occitanie (n=2,111), Ile -de-France (n=2,074), Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes (n=1,943), Grand Est (n=1,757) and New Aquitaine (n=1,554). While an increase in the number of cases is observed in all metropolitan areas, most cases are still reported in busy tourist areas, highlighting the additional role of other types of gatherings during the holiday period.

This increase could therefore continue or fluctuate at the start of the school year.

In W34, however, we observe a stabilization of emergency calls in several regions: Centre-Val de Loire and Nouvelle-Aquitaine (in OSCOUR® data), Île-de-France, Hauts-de-France and Normandy (in SOS data). Doctors), or even a drop observed in emergency visits in Normandy and SOS Doctors medical procedures in New Aquitaine.
Public Health France is continuing to monitor the epidemic through the systems in place which make it possible to assess its evolution.
More information :

• Monitoring of COVID-19 from July 1, 2023
• Consult the epidemiological points in the regions on the Public Health France website

Adherence to preventive measures remains necessary

Respect for barrier gestures is always essential. Isolation in the event of a positive test for COVID-19 and/or symptoms and the maintenance of the application of barrier gestures remain recommended: the wearing of a mask, in particular in the presence of the elderly or in the event of promiscuity in the spaces closed (including public transport) or during large gatherings, as well as hand washing and ventilation of closed places.

Vaccination against COVID-19 with administration of a booster dose for the most vulnerable people remains important to prevent severe forms in the event of active circulation of the virus and the joint flu and COVID-19 campaign will be the subject of a future communication.

https://www.santepubliquefrance.fr/...ce-accrue-sur-les-cas-groupes-en-etablissemen

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See also:

COVID-19: a first case of the BA.2.86 variant detected in France

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In this nursing home in Brittany, more than three out of four residents have Covid-19

The Chemin Vert nursing home in Hédé (Ille-et-Vilaine) is facing a Covid-19 epidemic. 22 out of 28 residents contracted the disease. Measures have been taken and the situation is stable.

FRANCE
West France
Émilie CHASSEVANT.
Published on 09/18/2023 at 5:05 p.m.

An epidemic of Covid-19 has spread to the Chemin Vert nursing home in Hédé-Bazouges (Ille-et-Vilaine). Currently, 22 residents, out of the 28 in the structure, have tested positive for Covid-19. According to the Regional Health Agency (ARS), “most residents affected by the disease present symptoms similar to a cold” .

No confinement

Measures have been taken within the facility to protect residents who have not been affected by the disease. “Positive and negative residents have distinct collective moments. The establishment has not been confined and visits are authorized with the recommendations currently in force,” specifies the ARS. In other words, wearing a mask, distancing and washing your hands .

For two days, no new cases of Covid have been detected within the nursing home. “The situation is stable,” reassures the ARS.

“The residents are perfectly supported by the staff who were able to make themselves available and reassure them, as well as their families, as much as necessary,” greets the director of the establishment.

https://www.ouest-france.fr/sante/v...covid-19-872670b4-5628-11ee-aab6-4085e5fd9724