Bronchiolitis Epidemic Overwhelms Paris Hospitals: Baby Transfers Spark Concern

Bronchiolitis Outbreak Strains Paris Hospitals

Hospitals across the Île-de-France region are under increasing pressure as the annual bronchiolitis epidemic intensifies. Health authorities have confirmed that several neonatal and pediatric wards are operating at full capacity, with young patients being transferred to other regions for treatment.

According to the Regional Health Agency (ARS Île-de-France), at least 16 infants have been relocated since mid-October due to local service saturation. Although some transfers are linked to family proximity issues, many directly stem from the mounting crisis within Paris hospitals.

“We have 36 beds in the service, and all 36 are occupied,” explained Dr. Naïm Ouldali, pediatrician at Robert-Debré Hospital, one of France’s largest children’s facilities. “We are managing day-to-day with no margin for new cases.”

Rising Cases Across France

The outbreak is no longer isolated to Paris. Data from Santé publique France reveal that 12 out of 13 regions are now in epidemic phase — only Corsica remains relatively unaffected. Emergency visits for children under two years old have climbed sharply, reflecting the virus’s rapid spread across nurseries and households.

What Is Bronchiolitis?

Bronchiolitis is a common viral infection that affects infants, causing inflammation of the small airways in the lungs. It is primarily caused by the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) — the same virus responsible for most pediatric winter hospitalizations in France.

In severe cases, it can lead to breathing difficulties requiring oxygen support or hospitalization in intensive care.

Why Are Babies Being Transferred?

While some transfers are due to logistical issues — namely ensuring children are closer to their families — the Ministry of Health acknowledges that others are purely the result of capacity limits in the capital’s hospitals.

Health Minister Stéphanie Rist said that the government is “closely monitoring the situation,” ensuring no region becomes overwhelmed, and that adequate staffing is maintained throughout the holiday season.

Low Preventive Treatment Coverage Raises Alarms

Experts now point to insufficient vaccination and preventive treatment coverage as a major factor exacerbating the crisis.

The Beyfortus (nirsevimab) antibody treatment — available in French maternity hospitals since September 2024 — can reduce hospitalizations by up to 80%. However, awareness among parents and even some healthcare providers remains limited.

Key Findings:

Only 46% of infants born between February and August 2025 received the preventive dose in community clinics.
The treatment is fully reimbursed when administered in maternity hospitals, but only 30% covered when given in pharmacies — discouraging broader uptake.
Pediatric experts say this uneven access contributes to avoidable hospital admissions.

“Most parents of hospitalized babies are not even aware that these treatments exist,” lamented Dr. Ouldali. “This is a communication failure we must urgently address.”

What Parents Can Do

While RSV is hard to fully prevent, parents can take several steps to reduce risks:

Avoid close contact between newborns and people with cold-like symptoms.
Frequently wash hands before handling infants.
Keep indoor air clean and well ventilated.
Discuss the Beyfortus treatment with doctors or pediatricians to ensure your baby is protected.

A Growing Challenge for French Healthcare

The bronchiolitis epidemic underscores the ongoing strain on France’s hospital system, particularly pediatric care. Despite lessons from previous winters, staffing shortages, uneven public awareness, and limited coordination continue to complicate the response.

Health authorities are urging parents to seek medical advice early if their child shows signs of respiratory distress, such as rapid breathing, persistent coughing, or poor feeding.