COVID-19, Influenza, and RSV

The number of individuals diagnosed with COVID-19 each week has decreased this fall after a temporary increase in diagnoses during the summer. In week 41 (October 7–13), 25 individuals were diagnosed with COVID-19, either through PCR testing or clinical diagnosis (a diagnosis made by a doctor without laboratory testing).

A few cases of influenza were diagnosed during the summer and early fall. One case was diagnosed in week 41, and at that time no cases had been diagnosed since week 36 (early September). The individual diagnosed in week 41 was in the 65 and older age group and tested positive for influenza type A(pdm09).

A few cases of RSV were diagnosed over the summer. One child aged 1–2 years was diagnosed in week 39, and at that time no cases had been diagnosed since week 32 (early August). One child under the age of one year was diagnosed with RSV in week 41.

Autumn vaccinations have started at health care centers and other locations. The Chief Epidemiologist encourages individuals in high-risk groups to get vaccinated against influenza and COVID-19.

Whooping Cough

The number of whooping cough diagnoses has significantly decreased since an outbreak occurred in the spring. Since the beginning of September, between three and eight individuals have been diagnosed with whooping cough each week, either through PCR testing or clinical diagnosis. In week 41, three people were diagnosed with whooping cough, one aged 1–2 years and two aged 15–64 years.

Other Respiratory Viruses

Throughout the summer and the first weeks of fall, rhinovirus (the common cold) was the most frequently diagnosed respiratory virus at the Department of Clinical Microbiology and Virology at the National University Hospital of Iceland. See more information on the hospital’s website.

Hospitalizations at the National University Hospital

In week 41, nine individuals were in hospital with COVID-19 at the National University Hospital, eight of whom were 65 years or older. One child under the age of one year was in hospital with RSV.

Situation in Europe

As in Iceland, COVID-19 diagnoses have decreased in EU/EEA countries this fall following a temporary increase during the summer. Rates of influenza and RSV are currently low. Autumn vaccination campaigns have started in many countries, and older individuals and other high-risk groups are being especially encouraged to get vaccinated. See more information on the website of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC).

The Chief Epidemiologist