Gastro strikes early in three regions
Epidemics reported in three regions, with cases nationally expected to rise in the coming weeks
As winter settles across France, health authorities have declared a gastroenteritis epidemic for three regions.
The Sentinelles de l'Inserm, a network of GPs that collates anonymous real-time data on the spread of communicable illnesses in France, reported epidemic levels of gastro cases in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, Hauts-de-France, and Pays de la Loire.
A total 228 cases per 100,000 inhabitants have been recorded in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, 207 per 100,000 in Hauts-de-France, and 205 per 100,000 in Pays de la Loire. The threshold for an epidemic is 170 per 100,000.
The national rate is currently just below epidemic levels at 147 cases per 100,000, Sentinelles report - up from 119 cases the previous week. The organisation warned it expects the number of cases to rise over the coming weeks, particularly in Nouvelle Aquitaine and Grand Est, where cases are already close to epidemic levels.
Gastroenteritis, often simply known as 'gastro’ in France, is a contagious inflammation of the stomach and intestines caused by a bacterial or viral infection that typically results in vomiting and diarrhoea. The illness can last up to three days.
Doctors advise people to wash their hands regularly, especially before eating or after going to the toilet to avoid falling ill.
If you are affected, it is important to disinfect toilet bowls or sinks - and door handles - after a vomiting episode, or each toilet visit with diarrhoea. Parents of babies should also wash their hands after every nappy change. It is also important to remain hydrated and avoid eating food that is high in fibre.
