鈥楩lu epidemic declared across whole of France
All areas of France are now in a state of 鈥榝lu epidemic, including Normandy, which until now had escaped the worst of the illness.
There has been a sharp spike in 鈥溾�榝lu activity indicators鈥� across the country this week, compared to last, according to the by health authority Sant茅 Publique France every Wednesday.
GP network Sentinelles reported a 62% rise in the number of appointments dealing with 鈥榝lu-like symptoms, representing 301 consultations per 100,000 people. Home visit group SOS M茅decins said 鈥榝lu-related issues represented 15.3% of their work this week, compared to 11.3% the week before.
Overall, 8,821 people have visited hospital for severe 鈥榝lu symptoms, a significant rise of 56% compared to the week before. Of these, 810 were hospitalised, a jump of 72% from the week before.
Since November, 311 severe cases required resuscitation, and 26 people died.
Children have been especially affected this year, the figures show. Under-fives have made up almost a third of all emergency visits and hospital admissions for 鈥榝lu.
Yet, most people with severe symptoms tend to be slightly older - with an average age of 52 - and 73% have other complicating factors, such as existing chronic illnesses or being aged over 65. Three-quarters of the latter group were not vaccinated against 鈥榝lu.
For most people, 鈥榝lu does not require special treatment, but every year in France it affects 2 million - 6 million, and kills around 10,000 people. Last year, the death toll reached 8,100 during the two months that were declared 鈥渁n epidemic鈥�.
