Bronchiolitis Epidemic Spreads Across France, Raising Concerns
France is seeing a steady rise in bronchiolitis cases, with the infection now affecting a growing number of regions. According to last week’s weekly bulletin provided by Santé Publique France, the situation is worsening, particularly in a growing number of regions.
Multiple regions have now officially entered the epidemic phase, adding to the seven already grappling with the infection.
These newly affected regions include Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Brittany, Centre-Val de Loire, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, and Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur. This concerning trend adds to the burden on healthcare systems as the virus continues to spread rapidly.
While hospitals nationwide are treating the infected, five further regions: Burgundy-Franche-Comté, Grand Est, Normandy, Occitanie, and Pays de la Loire have entered the pre-epidemic phase.
Bronchiolitis primarily affects young infants, causing noticeable infection spikes every winter.
A Glimpse of Hope with New Preventive Treatments
Amidst the rising case numbers, hope arrives in the form of preventative treatments deployed for the first time this season. The Beyfortus treatment, developed by AstraZeneca and Sanofi, offers a direct antibody injection to protect babies.
The second treatment, Abrysvo by Pfizer, is a vaccine for expectant mothers, providing a crucial layer of protection for newborns before birth. Last year’s drier’s campaign utilizing Beyfortus proved successful in reducing hospitalization rates for infants, both within France and internationally.
However, widespread adoption of the treatment faces a significant hurdle: limited reimbursement. Pediatricians are voicing concerns, deeming the current reimbursement restrictive and urging reconsideration. “The decision to limit reimbursement appears incomprehensible and inadmissible,” reads a statement from the main French pediatrics organizations.
While the government covered the cost of Beyfortus last year, this year’s reliance on traditional reimbursement via Health Insurance presents a dilemma. Families are faced with hefty co-payments, often around 300 euros depending on individual insurance plans. Access to the treatment is marred by the fact that various mutual insurance policies don’t fully cover, or in some cases, reimburse at all, leaving many families unable to afford the vital protection.
Flu Season Off to a Slow Start
In contrast, the flu epidemic is emerging slowly, with most regions reporting "base level" markers. Only a few regions: Île-de-France, Hauts-de-France, and Normandy, have already entered the pre-epidemic phase.
COVID-19 Continues to Remain Stable
COVID-19 news remains stable, with typically low indicators both in communities and healthcare settings across all age demographics. The comprehensive vaccination campaign against both flu and COVID-19, launched mid-October, targets high-risk individuals, their families, and caregivers. Both flu and COVID-19 infections can have a significant impact on the health of vulnerable populations, especially during the cooler months.
What are the new preventative treatments being deployed in France to combat bronchiolitis?
## Bronchiolitis Surge in France; New Treatments Offer a Glimmer of Hope
**Interviewer:** Welcome back to the show. We are facing a concerning rise in bronchiolitis cases across France this season. Joining us today is Dr. [Guest Name], a pediatrician specializing in respiratory illnesses, to shed light on this situation. Dr. [Guest Name], thank you for being here.
**Dr. [Guest Name]:** Thank you for having me.
**Interviewer:** Can you tell our viewers a bit about the current situation with bronchiolitis in France?
**Dr. [Guest Name]:** We are currently seeing a significant increase in bronchiolitis cases across the country. The situation is particularly worrisome as more and more regions are entering the epidemic phase. As reported by Santé Publique France, [[1](https://www.service-public.fr/particuliers/actualites/A16087?lang=en)], regions like Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Brittany, and Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur are now officially in the epidemic phase, adding to the already seven regions impacted.
**Interviewer:** That’s concerning. What are the main challenges this surge presents?
**Dr. [Guest Name]:** The rapid rise in cases puts a significant strain on our healthcare systems. Hospitals are seeing a large influx of young infants needing treatment. It is critical that we take preventative measures to curb the spread and protect our vulnerable population.
**Interviewer:** Are there any positive developments in the fight against bronchiolitis?
**Dr. [Guest Name]:** Yes, there is hope this season. For the first time, we are deploying two new preventative treatments: Beyfortus, a direct antibody injection for babies developed by AstraZeneca and Sanofi, and Abrysvo, a vaccine for expectant mothers by Pfizer. These treatments offer a crucial new line of defense against this common but potentially serious respiratory illness. [[1](https://www.service-public.fr/particuliers/actualites/A16087?lang=en)]้ง