Bronchiolitis Epidemic Begins in France, Île-de-France Most Affected

The annual bronchiolitis outbreak has started, impacting infants primarily in Île-de-France, with preventive treatments underway.

Île-de-France, Guadeloupe, and Martinique have officially entered bronchiolitis epidemic status, with Brittany on pre-epidemic alert.
Between October 21-27, 1,552 children under two were treated for bronchiolitis in emergency rooms, with 497 hospitalized.
The epidemic is driven by the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which primarily affects infants and can also impact the elderly.
Two preventive treatments are in use: Beyfortus, an antibody for infants, and Abrysvo, a vaccine for pregnant women.
Health authorities emphasize the importance of barrier gestures, such as handwashing and mask-wearing, to combat winter illnesses.