Bronchiolitis Epidemic Surges in Martinique: Rising Infant Hospitalizations Spark Health Warnings

Martinique Hospitals Admires 27 Infants for Bronchiolitis in One Week

Health authorities in Martinique recorded 27 emergency room admissions for infant bronchiolitis between October 19 and 25, nearly double the weekly average of 15 recorded over the preceding four weeks, according to data published by Santé publique France and reported by la1ere.franceinfo.fr. According to the latest health data published on Thursday, October 29, 2026, 27 infants under the age of one were welcomed at the emergency department in one week, of whom 12 had to be hospitalized. In its latest epidemiological bulletin covering the period from October 19 to 25, 2026, Santé publique France reports 27 emergency visits for bronchiolitis among children under one year old. Among these young patients under one year old, 12 required hospital admission as the virus respiratory syncytial (VRS) drove an active epidemic across the island.

Laboratory testing at the University Hospital of Martinique confirmed the dominant role of the virus. Positive VRS results accounted for 62% of all infant samples tested during the monitoring week, reflecting an active circulation pattern that typically affects roughly one in three children under two years of age during peak winter seasons, as noted in reports from ZayActu, representing 8 positive results out of 13 tests performed.

Immunization Options and Prevention Guidelines Issued by ARS Martinique

To combat the rising transmission rates, the Regional Health Agency (ARS Martinique) recommends specific medical immunizations depending on the profile of the mother and child. Pregnant women can receive the Abrysvo vaccine between the 32nd and 36th week of gestation to transfer protective antibodies to the newborn before birth.

In a press release published this Friday, October 30, 2026, the Regional Health Agency of Martinique recalls that bronchiolitis can cause significant respiratory complications in infants. The goal is to allow the transmission of protective antibodies to the infant before birth, in order to protect them from their first months of life. Beyfortus (nirsévimab) is a monoclonal antibody intended for newborns and infants during their first season of VRS circulation, contributing to reducing the risk of severe respiratory infection linked to this virus. Parents are invited to get closer to a healthcare professional to know the recommended protection measures.

In addition to immunizations, public health officials advise parents to follow strict hygiene protocols. Recommendations include washing hands or using hydro-alcoholic gel before handling infants, avoiding close contact or kissing a baby’s face or hands when suffering from a cold, airing living spaces daily for at least ten minutes, avoiding tobacco smoke exposure, and wearing a face mask when experiencing respiratory symptoms.

Clinical Warning Signs and Emergency Response Thresholds

Medical professionals advise parents to monitor infants closely for specific clinical indicators. A dry cough, rapid or noisy breathing, and visible respiratory distress require immediate medical consultation. When severe warning signs appear, families must contact emergency services by dialing 15 without delay to secure rapid clinical management and prevent pulmonary complications.

While bronchiolitis surges across Martinique, surrounding territories experience different viral trajectories. In Guadeloupe, the influenza and Covid-19 situations remain stable, though bronchiolitis continues to strain hospital services at levels comparable to 2025 but below 2024 figures. Meanwhile, mainland France observes a pre-epidemic rise in bronchiolitis admissions in regions like Île-de-France. Faced with these viral circulations, the vaccination campaign against influenza and Covid-19 began on October 13, 2026 in Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint-Martin and Saint-Barthélemy, while the RSV positivity rate has remained generally close to 5% since week 2026-S38, with only one positive test out of 22 carried out in hospital centers, and the absence of reported cases in general medicine for bronchiolitis in 2026-S43 occurs in a context of social crisis which began in 2026-S42, marked by difficulties in movement linked to social movements.