The Public Health France surveillance network announces that the bronchiolitis epidemic has been declared in Ile-de-France and Paca. 5 regions are in the pre-epidemic phase.
Every winter, it is the fear of young parents. Almost 30% of children under the age of 2 are affected by bronchiolitis. This respiratory infection of the small bronchi is caused by a very widespread and very contagious respiratory virus. This seasonal epidemic, potentially serious for infants, usually begins in mid-October and ends at the end of winter, with a peak in December. But this year, it seems to have taken a little lead.
In its weekly bulletin published on Wednesday, Public health France notes “a marked increase in all indicators of bronchiolitis nationally”. The Agency even announces the start of an epidemic in Ile-de-France and Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur (PACA). And other territories could follow, since five regions are already in the pre-epidemic phase. Furthermore, Public health France confirms the continuation of the epidemic in Martinique, with a pre-epidemic phase in Saint-Martin and Saint-Barthélémy.
Nearly 20,000 children affected
For his part, Research Institute for the Valorization of Health Data (Irsan) gives precise figures on the extent of this epidemic. During the period from Friday November 18, 2016 to Thursday November 24, 2016, Irsan estimates that bronchiolitis affected 19,397 new people in mainland France. This value is up 28.53% compared to last week (15,092). This represents a weekly incidence of 29 cases per 100,000 inhabitants.
Source: Irsan
Every winter, it is the fear of young parents. Almost 30% of children under the age of 2 are affected by bronchiolitis. This respiratory infection of the small bronchi is caused by a very widespread and very contagious respiratory virus. This seasonal epidemic, potentially serious for infants, usually begins in mid-October and ends at the end of winter, with a peak in December. But this year, it seems to have taken a little lead.
In its weekly bulletin published on Wednesday, Public health France notes “a marked increase in all indicators of bronchiolitis nationally”. The Agency even announces the start of an epidemic in Ile-de-France and Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur (PACA). And other territories could follow, since five regions are already in the pre-epidemic phase. Furthermore, Public health France confirms the continuation of the epidemic in Martinique, with a pre-epidemic phase in Saint-Martin and Saint-Barthélémy.
Nearly 20,000 children affected
For his part, Research Institute for the Valorization of Health Data (Irsan) gives precise figures on the extent of this epidemic. During the period from Friday November 18, 2016 to Thursday November 24, 2016, Irsan estimates that bronchiolitis affected 19,397 new people in mainland France. This value is up 28.53% compared to last week (15,092). This represents a weekly incidence of 29 cases per 100,000 inhabitants.
Source: Irsan
How to prevent bronchiolitis
– Always wash your hands with soap and water for 30 seconds before caring for a baby.
– If you have a cold or you cough, wear a surgical mask (available in pharmacies) to take care of it, and ask everyone who takes care of your baby to wear this mask as well.
– If you have a cold or during an epidemic, do not kiss your child on the face or on the hands. This advice also applies to everyone around you (brothers, sisters, etc.).
– Air his room every day for at least ten minutes.
– Do not exchange (with family and friends) baby bottles, pacifiers, cutlery and uncleaned glasses.
– Avoid visiting with your child, people with colds or flu. Conversely, ask a person with a cold or the flu to postpone their visit.
– Avoid taking your child to public places where he might be in contact with people with colds (shopping centers, public transport, etc.).
– If your child is sick and you wish to consult, tell your doctor before going to his waiting room (it is preferable to avoid infecting other children).
Source: Irsan
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