A rise in the seasonal outbreak of stomach flu has been detected by the French health monitoring service Santé Publique France, with cases approaching historic maximum levels. Children under five are particularly affected.
Stomach flu, or acute gastroenteritis, which causes diarrhoea and vomiting, is a viral condition that is particularly common during winter.
The condition is caused by rotavirus and norovirus strains.
Typically, the number of cases spike in early January, however an official health report released on March 20 reveals a sharp rise in the number of GP and hospital visits in the past three weeks.
Santé Publique France
Santé Publique France
The rise follows a relatively benign season for gastroenteritis in which the number of cases seen by GPs has been lower than average.
Emergency room visits for gastroenteritis in March 2025Santé Publique France
While the virus is present throughout the country, six regions in the north of France are particularly affected, recording more hospital visits, namely Brittany, Normandy, Ile-de France, Grand Est, Val de Loire, Pays de la Loire.
Children under 5 also are reported to be more affected by the condition, accounting for 11.3% of all GP visits, against 8.8% for people of all ages.
The condition is not dangerous for adults, but can be for infants.
To avoid it, Santé Publique France advises people to wash their hands frequently with soap and water or a hydro-alcoholic product.
Rotaviruses and noroviruses can be highly resistant, and all surfaces should be cleaned regularly.
Two vaccines have been shown to be highly effective against rotaviruses, which cause around half of stomach flu cases. However, vaccination is recommended only for young children and infants from 2 months of age.
If you start feeling ill with symptoms of diarrhoea, the health service advises rehydrating early with ORS hydration tablets.
