COVID-19 Cases Rise in alsace, But Doctors Report Mild Strain
Strasbourg, France – October 1, 2024 – COVID-19 cases are increasing across Alsace, mirroring a national trend observed in the latest Sentinel network bulletin published September 24th. However, local physicians emphasize the current surge remains moderate and the circulating variant appears to be no more virulent than previous strains.
Data from the Sentinel network indicates a continued rise in consultations for COVID-19 between September 15th and 21st, the second consecutive week of increases. Nationally, the impact rate is estimated at 49 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, keeping the overall activity level of the SARS-CoV-2 virus within moderate bounds, according to public health experts.
In Alsace, doctors confirm the uptick. “This is the moast active respiratory virus of the moment,” stated dr. Siméon Baetz, president of SOS Médecins de Strasbourg, whose intervention sector covers nearly half of the Bas-rhin territory. He noted the resurgence began at the end of August, progressing slowly through September, and accelerating with the return to school and increased indoor contact among children.”But nothing catastrophic since the current strain is no more virulent than the previous ones. We have not hospitalized any patient at this stage,” Dr. Baetz added.
Dr. Yannick Freymann,a general practitioner in Bischoffsheim (Bas-Rhin) and Sentinel network member,also reports a ”recovery” of COVID-19 cases,currently seeing an average of two patients per day,compared to 6-10 during peak periods. He reminded that fall and winter typically see a rise in acute respiratory infections, including influenza and SARS-CoV-2.
As of the end of September,the incidence rate in the “Grand Est” region,which includes Alsace,was estimated at 340 cases per 100,000 inhabitants – one of the highest regional rates in France. Despite this,Dr. Emmanuel Vilbois, a general practitioner in Morschwiller-les (Haut-Rhin) and affiliated with the Unprogrammed Care Center at Emile-Muller Hospital in Mulhouse, reassured the public. “We are still under the alert threshold and the new variant is not vrey virulent,” he said. He also noted the prevalence of other respiratory illnesses, stating, “There are lots of ENT viroses that have been running as the start of the school year. Even if the COVIDs are slightly resurfaced, these are largely preceded by gastroenteritis.”
The Sentinel network continues to monitor the situation, providing crucial data for public health officials as the region enters the typical respiratory virus season.
