Overview
- Santé publique France reports rising indicators across all metropolitan regions in an epidemic phase, with consultations reaching 349 per 100,000 during December 15–21 versus 282 the week prior.
- Type A(H3N2) dominates circulation, and virologists note an emergent H3N2 'K' subclade with partial immune escape that likely increases transmissibility.
- Institut Pasteur’s model estimates a 72.5% probability of a peak in week 52 and 22.5% in early January, anticipating heavy emergency demand during the festive period.
- Hospitals are bracing for pressure, with the Bouches-du-Rhône prefecture requisitioning 17 general practitioners, and the rise is particularly marked among children under 15.
- Vaccination coverage remains suboptimal in target groups (44.2% in those 65+ and 21.3% in at‑risk under‑65s), prompting calls for vaccination, masking, ventilation, and hand hygiene as bronchiolitis indicators stabilize.