The epidemic does not weaken, hospitalizations increase

The bronchiolitis epidemic remains very worrying in recent days. Last week was marked by a “continued increase in emergency room visits and hospitalizations for bronchiolitis in children under two years of age in mainland France”, summarized the French public health agency in a weekly report.

“The intensity of the epidemic (is) particularly marked on the whole of the metropolitan territory and in Guadeloupe”, she insisted.

A cough and difficult breathing

Common and highly contagious, bronchiolitis causes babies to cough and have difficult, rapid, wheezy breathing. If it is distressing for young parents, it is most of the time benign. In some cases, it may require a visit to the emergency room, or even hospitalization. This epidemic, on an unprecedented scale for ten years, has hit pediatric emergencies plunged into a crisis linked to unsatisfactory working conditions and a lack of staff.

Last week, more than 3,000 children were again hospitalized for bronchiolitis, an increase of 16% compared to the previous seven days. This represents more than half of hospitalizations for babies under two years old.

Under pressure, the Minister of Health launched a national emergency plan three weeks ago, says Orsan, planned for exceptional health situations. The epidemic could however bend in the coming days, according to the National Union of French Pediatricians (SNPF), which brings together specialists practicing outside the hospital.

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