Situation in Iceland

The number of influenza diagnoses has decreased, as have diagnoses of RSV infections. In week 17, an increase was observed in COVID-19 diagnoses, as well as in hospital admissions at the National University Hospital (Landspítali) with COVID-19. No cases of pertussis (whooping cough) have been diagnosed in the past eight weeks, but Mycoplasma cases continue to be reported.

Influenza, RSV, and COVID-19

Influenza diagnoses have declined, with seven individuals diagnosed in week 17. Of these, two had influenza type A(pdm09), two had type A(H3), and three had type B. The cases spanned all age groups: one was under five years old, two were aged 5–14, two were 15–64, and two were 65 or older. The same number of cases were reported in week 16, while week 15 saw 21 cases.

One individual aged 5–14 was in hospital with influenza in week 17. One person aged 65+ was in hospital in week 16, and in week 15, eight people were in hospital with influenza-five aged 65+ and three aged 15–64.

RSV diagnoses have been low in recent weeks, with four individuals diagnosed in week 17. Of those, two were under one year old, one was 15–64, and one was 65 or older. One person aged 15–64 was hospitalized with RSV in week 17, marking the first hospitalization with RSV in five weeks.

Eight individuals were diagnosed with COVID-19 in week 17, seven of whom were aged 65 or older. This is the highest weekly count since the start of 2025. Very few people have been in hospital with COVID-19 since the beginning of the year (0–1 per week), but in week 17, four individuals-all aged 65 or older-were hospitalized.

Other Respiratory Infections

The number of diagnoses of respiratory viruses other than influenza, RSV, and SARS-CoV-2 has fluctuated since late 2024. Week 15 saw an increase in cases, mostly rhinovirus (common cold) and parainfluenza. Fewer cases were reported in weeks 16 and 17, though rhinovirus and parainfluenza remained most common.

The number of respiratory samples tested each week has decreased over the past two weeks, with 145 samples tested in week 17. The percentage of positive samples has fluctuated between 35–50% in recent weeks.

No pertussis cases have been reported in the past eight weeks. Diagnoses of Mycoplasma bacterial infection (based on clinical assessment regardless of lab confirmation) have declined since the beginning of the year, though weekly numbers still vary. Three individuals were diagnosed with Mycoplasma in week 17.

Situation in Europe

• The incidence of respiratory infections has decreased across EU/EEA countries, although influenza and RSV outbreaks persist in some regions.

• The influenza epidemic peaked around week 6 of this year and has since subsided in most countries.

• The RSV outbreak peaked around week 52 of 2024, though some cases continue to be diagnosed.

• The incidence of COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) remains low.

Further information is available on the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) website.

General Infection Control Reminders

• Avoid contact with others if you have symptoms of infection.

• Stay home while symptomatic and until you are clearly recovering and fever-free for 24 hours.

• Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.

• Take extra care around vulnerable individuals if you have symptoms.

• Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly.

• Clean shared surfaces and ventilate shared spaces whenever possible.

• Consider wearing a face mask in crowded areas

The next summary report is scheduled for release on Thursday, May 15.

The Chief Epidemiologist