Overview: Covid-19 in Emergency Departments This Autumn
As autumn arrives, French hospitals remain vigilant not only for influenza but also for Covid-19, whose footprint in emergency departments continues to shift. Santé Publique France’s latest weekly bulletin covers week 38 (15–21 September 2025). Overall visits to emergency departments for all causes remained stable across age groups, with one notable exception: children under two years showed a 9% rise (+1,766 visits). In contrast, the pattern among adults shows a continued rise in suspected Covid-19 cases, while the number of cases among the youngest children appears to be stabilizing or declining.
Covid-19 Suspicion Rising Among Adults
For suspected Covid-19, the trend is upward among adults: a +37% increase, equivalent to 375 additional visits. Among children, the week marked a first decline in suspected infections. At the same time, health authorities flagged a SARS-CoV-2 variant under surveillance, known as XFG or the “Frankenstein” variant, described by experts as a recombinant form blending Omicron lineages that have circulated for months.
What the XFG Variant Means
According to the World Health Organization, XFG is a variant under monitoring with its proportion rising globally. It appears to be more contagious and capable of hybridizing with human cells, yet public health officials stress that it does not yet seem to cause more severe disease. Surveillance continues to inform vaccination strategies and testing guidance as the situation evolves.
Regional Spotlight: Occitanie and the Rest of France
The regional picture is uneven. In Occitanie, several departments account for a meaningful share of ER visits with suspected Covid-19. The top representations are Ariège (11.28%), Tarn-et-Garonne (9.71%), Tarn (7.24%), and Gers (6.93%). Other Occitanie departments report single-digit shares, with Pyrénées-Orientales at 6.6%, Gard at 6.3%, Haute-Garonne at 6.12%, Aveyron at 5.6%, Hérault at 5.23%, Hautes-Pyrénées at 4.7%, Lozère at 4.36%, Lot at 3.51%, and Aude at 3.19%.
Outside Occitanie, the departments with the highest shares are Calvados (11.78%), Vendée (11.43%), and Drôme (11.23%). The Ariège figure remains notable within Occitanie at 11.28%, illustrating how regional dynamics can differ even within a single country and from week to week.
Shifts Across Departments
Week 38 data also reveal dramatic department-to-department changes. Territoire de Belfort registered a staggering +1,050% rise in suspected Covid-19 cases at the ER, followed by Hautes-Pyrénées at +571% and Lozère at +390%. On the flip side, declines were observed in Ille-et-Vilaine (−77%) and Alpes-Maritimes (−64%), indicating a highly variable local pattern in what is otherwise a broader upward trend among adults.
Why This Matters for Public Health and Vaccination
The evolving pattern underlines the continued importance of the seasonal vaccination push and accessible testing, particularly for adults and those in contact with high-risk groups. While XFG’s higher contagion raises transmission concerns, health authorities continue to emphasize vaccination as a key defense against severe disease. Hospitals are urged to maintain vigilant surveillance, adapt infection-control practices, and communicate clearly with the public as new data emerge.
What Residents Should Know
Local communities should monitor department-specific data for their area and stay up to date with vaccination recommendations. If Covid-19 symptoms arise—especially fever, cough, or shortness of breath—seek medical advice promptly. Public health guidance may adapt with the weekly data flow, underscoring the need to stay informed through official channels.
