The general medicine research and monitoring platform, Sentinels network, reports 167,500 new cases of gastroenteritis nationwide. The incidence rate of cases of acute diarrhea is estimated at 261 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, barely below the epidemic threshold, set at 278 cases. Among other things, two of the four classes of drugs monitored by the network reached their alert threshold last week.
The regions most affected by gastroenteritis are Lorraine (464 cases per 100,000 inhabitants), Ile-de-France (390) and Brittany (390). The median age of cases is 25 years and men account for 51% of cases. According to network estimates, “the level of acute diarrhea activity is expected to continue to rise and exceed the epidemic threshold next week.”
These numbers mark the return of “gastro”, an infection that affects the digestive system and can result in nausea, vomiting, stomach aches and diarrhea. These symptoms usually appear between one and three days. The best way to protect yourself from this highly contagious disease is to wash your hands frequently. In case of contamination it is recommended to drink a lot, in order to limit dehydration, and to eat regularly.