Investigation of an outbreak in South Iceland - First results

The Health inspectorate paid a supervisory visit on the same day and took water samples for testing. These confirmed E. coli in the water but in small amounts.

The Icelandic Food and Veterinary Authority and the Chief Epidemiologist were alerted on August 12th. A steering group was convened according to procedures for investigating food- or waterborne outbreaks. Data was collected to determine the size and nature of the outbreak, and the primary health care organized sample collections from affected individuals.

According to reports received, at least sixty people who had stayed at Rangárvellir in the last few weeks developed gastrointestinal symptoms. However, the number of affected people was probably considerably higher due to incomplete reporting, especially from foreign travelers. As of now, the Department of Microbiology and Virology at Landspítali has confirmed at least six cases of norovirus in relation to this outbreak. Norovirus is a common cause of gastrointestinal infection globally. It is also a frequent cause of food- and waterborne outbreaks, especially in crowded accommodations, in schools and cruise ships.

The most common symptoms of norovirus infections are vomiting and/or diarrhea, often accompanied by abdominal pain, bone aches, headache, and sometimes mild fever. The disease usually lasts for one to two days without treatment. Routes of transmission include direct human contact as well as via food and water.

The Southern Health Authority collected samples of drinking water at Rjúpnavellir and at two additional locations in Rangárvellir. Additional cases were reported at a few locations outside Rjúpnavellir, and efforts are being made to determine the origin and scope of contamination with further sampling. Samples will be sent for analysis to a laboratory to determine whether norovirus has entered the water source.

Drinking water supply and sewers

It is important for sewer systems be designed and constructed as not to permit contaminants to enter the environment. Improperly installed septic tanks can lead to the spread of infectious diseases. It is crucial to define and maintain protected areas around water sources to rule out any possibility for contaminants to enter the water supply.

The Chief Epidemiologist
The Icelandic Food and Veterinary Authority
The Health Inspectorate in South Iceland