Bronchiolitis Epidemic Begins Early in Paris, Raising Hospital Pressure Concerns
Paris, France – An early surge in bronchiolitis cases is already being observed in Paris, prompting health officials to prepare for a potentially challenging season. While the 2024-2025 bronchiolitis season was considered moderate, lasting approximately eight weeks from mid-November to mid-January, the early onset this year raises concerns about increased pressure on pediatric healthcare facilities.
This year’s potential early start comes as France continues to implement a national strategy focused on prevention, utilizing new tools like the Abrysvo® vaccine for pregnant women (between the 32nd and 36th weeks of gestation) to provide newborns with protective antibodies, and Beyfortus® (nirsevimab), a monoclonal antibody administered to at-risk infants to reduce severe bronchiolitis cases. These measures, introduced in 2023, protected over 450,000 babies from serious illness last year, according to the Ministry of Health.
The primary worry for healthcare providers isn’t the virus’s virulence, but the strain on hospital resources. Each bronchiolitis peak leads to overcrowded pediatric emergency rooms, bed shortages, and tired staff. In 2022, some regions were forced to activate hospital emergency plans, and while the system is now better prepared, it remains vulnerable.
The Île-de-France pediatricians’ union is advocating for improved coordination between hospitals and general practitioners, emphasizing that “the majority of bronchiolitis can be monitored by general practitioners.Emergencies should be reserved for serious cases.” Health authorities are also relying on widespread vaccination uptake to limit severe cases and alleviate hospital pressure.
