Situation in Iceland

The number of confirmed influenza and RSV cases continues to decline, and few cases of COVID-19 have been reported. The number of detections of other respiratory viruses was lower in Week 11 compared to previous weeks. No cases of pertussis (whooping cough) were reported in Week 11, though sporadic cases have been detected since the beginning of the year.

Influenza, RSV, and COVID-19

The number of influenza cases is gradually decreasing. A total of 26 cases were confirmed in Week 11, including 17 cases of influenza A(pdm09), five cases of influenza A(H3), and four cases of influenza B. Cases were detected across all age groups: One individual was under five years old, one was in the 5–14 age group, 14 were 15–64 years old, and ten were 65 years or older.

Eleven individuals were in hospital at Landspítali with influenza in Week 11, including eight aged 65 or older, two aged 15–64, and one child aged 3–4 years. Additionally, nine individuals visited emergency departments with influenza.

The number of confirmed RSV infections continues to decline. In Week 11, three cases were detected, including two individuals aged 65 or older and one child aged 3–4 years. Two individuals were in hospital at Landspítali with RSV, both in the 65+ age group.

Two individuals were diagnosed with COVID-19 in Week 11 - one aged 15–64 years and one child under five. No COVID-19 patients were in hospital at Landspítali.

Other Respiratory Infections

The number of detections of respiratory viruses other than influenza, RSV, and SARS-CoV-2 was lower in Week 11 compared to previous weeks. Rhinovirus (common cold) remains the most frequently detected virus. The number of respiratory samples tested has decreased in recent weeks, with 175 samples analyzed in Week 11. The proportion of positive samples has fluctuated since the beginning of the year and was 36% in Week 11.

The number of Mycoplasma bacterial infections (as diagnosed by physicians, regardless of laboratory results) has declined since the beginning of the year, with one case detected in Week 11. No cases of pertussis (whooping cough) were reported.

Situation in Europe

• Respiratory infections remain widespread in EU/EEA countries.

• The influenza epidemic, dominated by influenza A, appears to have peaked, and hospital admissions due to influenza are declining.

• The situation regarding RSV infections varies between countries, but overall, case numbers are decreasing.

• COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) infection rates remain very low in most EU/EEA countries.

For further information, visit the website of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC).

General Infection Control Measures

We remind the public to:

• Avoid close contact with individuals showing symptoms of infection.

• Stay home while symptomatic and until fully recovered, with at least 24 hours fever-free.

• Cover mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.

• Take extra precautions around vulnerable individuals if experiencing symptoms.

• Wash hands frequently and thoroughly.

• Clean shared surfaces and ventilate common spaces as much as possible.

• Consider wearing a face mask in crowded settings.

• The use of masks in healthcare settings during peak influenza season can help reduce transmission to vulnerable individuals.

The Chief Epidemiologist