Situation in Iceland

The Chief Epidemiologist’s dashboard on respiratory infections has been updated with data for Week 48 (November 25 – December 1, 2024).

• RS Virus (RSV): Cases of RSV to rise, with 45 individuals diagnosed in Week 48, most of whom were children aged two years or younger. Fourteen individuals were in hospital with RSV, including 10 children under the age of two.

• Influenza: Influenza diagnoses increased compared to the previous week, with 11 cases reported in Week 48. Nine cases were of influenza type A(H3), and two were of type A(pdm09). Cases were identified across all age groups. One individual aged 65 or older was in hospital with influenza.

• COVID-19: Ten individuals tested positive for COVID-19 in Week 48, with the majority in the 15–64 age group. Six individuals were in hospital during the week.

• Other Respiratory Viruses: About half of the respiratory infections identified, excluding COVID-19, influenza, and RS virus, were caused by rhinovirus (common cold). The number of respiratory samples sent for viral analysis has been increasing in recent weeks. The positivity rate continues to rise, reaching nearly 47% in Week 48.

• More individuals continue to be diagnosed with Mycoplasma each week compared to the same time in previous winters, following an increase in Mycoplasma cases earlier this year. Diagnoses of pertussis (whooping cough) have decreased since the outbreak earlier this year.

Situation in Europe

The RSV epidemic is ongoing in EU/EEA countries, similar to Iceland, with case numbers continuing to grow. As expected, the disease primarily affects children under five years of age.
Overall, COVID-19 cases continue to decline after a rise in summer diagnoses. Individuals aged 65 and older remain the most at risk of severe illness. Influenza activity remains generally low, although some countries have reported increases. For more information, visit the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) website.

Prevention

Vaccination remains the most effective protection against severe illness caused by viral respiratory infections. Autumn vaccination campaigns for COVID-19 and influenza are ongoing, and individuals aged 60 and older, as well as those in high-risk groups, are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated as they are most at risk of severe illness. Currently, vaccination uptake against influenza among individuals aged 60 and older in Iceland is just over 42%, significantly below target.
We also remind the public to follow general infection prevention measures. Further information is available on the Directorate of Health website.

The Chief Epidemiologist