Public Health France has announced that Centre-Val de Loire and Grand Est are now categorized in the “epidemic phase” of bronchiolitis, a respiratory disease mainly affecting children under the age of two.
- In mainland France, Centre-Val de Loire and Grand Est are now in the bronchiolitis epidemic phase, as are Brittany, Île-de-France, Normandy and Pays de la Loire.
- The week of October 23 to 29, 3,189 children affected by bronchiolitis were treated in the emergency room.
- A new delivery of Beyfortus, a preventive treatment against bronchiolitis, is planned for early November.
Due to the increase in cases of bronchiolitis, new regions have been placed in “epidemic phase” by Public Health France. Centre-Val de Loire and Grand Est are now classified on red alert, joining Brittany, Île-de-France, Normandy and Pays de la Loire. Overseas, Guadeloupe, Martinique and Guyana are also in this category. As for the Burgundy-Franche-Comté, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes and Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur regions, they have moved into the pre-epidemic phase
Bronchiolitis: an epidemic less severe than the previous one
Very common in infants and children under two years of age, bronchiolitis is a respiratory disease mainly caused by the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). This pathology affects the child’s small bronchi and can cause severe coughing and wheezing.
In his latest epidemiological bulletin published on November 2, Public Health France indicated that 3,189 children under the age of two were treated in emergency rooms for bronchiolitis during the week of October 23 to 29. Despite the increase in cases of bronchiolitis, the level of this epidemic remains lower compared to that of winter 2022/2023, reported the health authority.
An upcoming delivery of the Beyfortus vaccine
In September, a prevention campaign against bronchiolitis began. Beyfortus, developed by the Sanofi and AstraZeneca laboratories, is delivered as an injection into the thigh muscle. Its protective effects against respiratory disease are guaranteed for at least five months.
Faced with significant demand, stocks sold out quickly. On September 29, health authorities asked healthcare professionals to stop prescribing the Beyfortus vaccine. A new delivery of the preventive treatment is planned for the beginning of November in pharmacies. Parents who wish to give their baby the injection will then need to make an appointment with their pediatrician or general practitioner to obtain a prescription.
