The number of Influenza diagnoses increased slightly in week 14 compared to weeks 12 and 13, although case numbers have generally decreased compared to the first weeks of the year. Diagnoses of RSV infection have continued to decline since the end of 2024. A small number of COVID-19 cases continue to be detected. No cases of Pertussis (whooping cough) have been diagnosed in the past five weeks, while Mycoplasma cases continue to be reported.

Influenza, RSV, and COVID-19

The number of Influenza diagnoses increased slightly in week 14 compared to weeks 12 and 13. However, case numbers have been slowly decreasing since early February this year. A total of 26 individuals were diagnosed in week 14, including 10 with Influenza type A (pdm09), 10 with Influenza A (H3), and 6 with Influenza B. Cases were reported across all age groups; six individuals were under 5 years old, four were aged 5–14 years, 11 were aged 15–64 years, and five were 65 years or older.

Seven individuals were in hospital with Influenza at Landspítali in week 14, including six aged 15–64 years and one infant under the age of one. Ten individuals visited emergency departments for a shorter or longer stay with Influenza in week 14.

RSV diagnoses have declined since the end of 2024. In week 14, one infant under the age of one was diagnosed with RSV. No one has been hospitalized with RSV infection in the past three weeks.

Four individuals were diagnosed with COVID-19 in week 14; two children under the age of five and two individuals aged 15–64 years. No one has been hospitalized with COVID-19 in the past six weeks.

Other Respiratory Infections

The number of individuals diagnosed with respiratory viruses other than Influenza, RSV, and SARS-CoV-2 has fluctuated since late 2024, with similar numbers reported over the past three weeks. In week 14, 20 individuals were diagnosed with rhinovirus (common cold), which remains the most common diagnosis, and 10 individuals were diagnosed with human metapneumovirus.

The number of respiratory samples tested weekly has remained stable in recent weeks. The proportion of positive samples has ranged between 35–40%. Compared to the beginning of the year, fewer samples are now being analyzed. In week 14, 199 samples were analyzed, with 37% testing positive.

No cases of Pertussis (whooping cough) have been reported in the past five weeks. Diagnoses of Mycoplasma bacterial infection (based on clinical diagnosis regardless of laboratory results) have declined since the beginning of the year, although weekly case counts continue to fluctuate. In week 14, two individuals were diagnosed with Mycoplasma.

Situation in Europe

• Respiratory infections remain prevalent across EU/EEA countries.

• The Influenza epidemic generally peaked in week 6 of this year, and Influenza case numbers are now declining in nearly all countries.

• The RSV epidemic peaked overall in week 52 of 2024, but a significant number of cases are still being reported. The slow decline in case numbers reflects substantial variation between countries in the timing of the epidemic peak.

• COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) infection rates remain low in all countries.

See further details on the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) website.

General Infection Prevention Reminders

• Avoid close contact with individuals showing symptoms of infection.

• Stay home while experiencing symptoms and until fully recovered and fever-free for 24 hours.

• Cover the 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 areas as much as possible.

• Consider wearing a face mask in crowded places.

The next update is expected Wednesday, April 30, covering weeks 15, 16, and 17.

The Chief Epidemiologist