Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Oct 16, 2025 3 hours, 21 minutes ago
Medical News: Increase in Respiratory Illness Across France
According to the latest epidemiological surveillance bulletin from Santé Publique France for Week 41 (October 6–12, 2025), acute respiratory infections (ARI) are continuing to rise across mainland France. The national incidence rate was estimated at 260 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, up from 220 cases the previous week. This represents a slightly higher-than-usual level for this time of year.
France Sees Rising Respiratory Infections as COVID-19 and Rhinovirus Dominate
These infections are primarily driven by SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), rhinoviruses, and to a lesser extent, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). As this
Medical News report highlights, the data comes from multiple national surveillance systems, including the Sentinelles Network and IQVIA Electronic Medical Records (EMR).
Young Children Most Affected
The rise in ARI cases is especially noticeable among children under five years old, who recorded an estimated 562 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, up from 454 the week before. Other age groups also saw increases, with adults aged 15–64 years at 256 cases per 100,000, and seniors (65+) at 246 cases per 100,000.
The Sentinelles general practitioners reported 720 ARI cases, of which 72% were clinically described. The median patient age was 41 years, and 19% had risk factors for complications. About 0.5% of patients were hospitalized following consultations.
COVID-19 Levels Slightly Declining but Still Moderate
Despite the general increase in ARI, COVID-19 infections have shown a slight decline for the second consecutive week. However, experts warn that this data might not be reliable as there is very little testing being done and many hospitals and clinics are not even testing for COVID-19 in patients with symptoms.
The incidence of COVID-19-related ARI stood at 43 cases per 100,000 inhabitants (approximately 29,000 new cases), compared to 46 per 100,000 the previous week. This indicates that the virus remains moderately active but is not driving the surge alone.
COVID-19 cases were most common in adults, with a median age of 50 years, and 26% of patients had pre-existing health risks. The hospitalization rate remained at 0.6% but indicators show that it is gradually increasing.
Other Viruses Circulating at Low Levels
Virological surveillance conducted by Sentinelles, DUMG Rouen, and Côte d’Azur universities showed that rhinovirus remains the most dominant pathogen, detected in 32% of samples, though slightly lower than the previous week’s 41%.
SARS-CoV-2 positivity stood at 24%, RSV at 2%, influenza at 2%, and metapneumovirus at 1%. The data suggest that influenza and RSV activity remain sporadic, with no significant outbreaks observed.
Regional Variations and Local Trends
The highest ARI rates were
observed in Nouvelle-Aquitaine (390 cases/100,000) and Brittany (344 cases/100,000), while regions such as Corse (56) and Centre-Val de Loire (100) recorded lower activity.
Coordinated National Surveillance
France’s primary care epidemiological surveillance system integrates multiple data sources, including general practitioners, pediatricians, SOS Médecins networks, and the National Reference Centers at the Hospices Civils de Lyon and Institut Pasteur. This coordinated approach allows for more accurate and timely monitoring of viral trends across the country.
Outlook
Public health officials note that respiratory infection activity is expected to continue rising in the coming weeks as colder weather sets in. While rhinoviruses and COVID-19 remain the leading causes, sporadic influenza and RSV detections signal the approaching winter season. Citizens are encouraged to remain vigilant and practice hygiene measures.
Reference:
https://www.sentiweb.fr/document/6680
https://www.sentiweb.fr/
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Medical News.
Read Also:
https://www.thailandmedical.news/articles/coronavirus
https://www.thailandmedical.news/articles/covid-19-disinfectants
https://www.thailandmedical.news/articles/covid-19-genetics
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