Situation in Iceland

Influenza remains widespread, and high-risk and priority groups are still encouraged to get vaccinated. RSV infections have been declining, and COVID-19 cases remain low. Diagnoses of other respiratory viruses increased last week compared to previous weeks. Four new cases of pertussis (whooping cough) have been reported over the past two weeks after six weeks with no detections.

As in previous weeks, the majority of tested samples originate from hospitals, with fewer from primary healthcare centers.

Influenza, RSV, and COVID-19

Influenza case numbers continue to fluctuate. A total of 57 individuals were diagnosed in week 4, including 28 with influenza A(pdm09), 14 with A(H3), and 15 with influenza B. Cases occurred across all age groups, with 15 individuals aged 65 or older and 10 under five years old.

Data from weeks 3 and 4 indicate an increase in influenza B cases. Past epidemics suggest that influenza B tends to cause more illness in children and adolescents compared to influenza A (as seen in winter 2022–2023 in the dashboard). So far this winter, the average age of those diagnosed with influenza is around 40 years, while the average age of those with influenza B is around 20 years. This pattern is consistent with earlier data.

Six individuals hospitalized at Landspitali during week 4 had influenza, including four aged 65 or older and two aged 5–14 years. Additionally, 29 people visited emergency departments with influenza, a number similar to the previous four weeks.

The number of RSV cases in week 4 was similar to week 3, with 28 diagnoses. Of these, nine were in individuals aged 65 or older, ten were aged 15–64, and seven were two years old or younger. Eight individuals were in hospital with RSV at Landspitali, including six aged 65 or older and two infants under one year.

Two COVID-19 cases were reported in week 4, with one individual in hospital.

Other Respiratory Infections

The total number of detected respiratory viruses increased in week 4 compared to the previous four weeks. The most significant increase was seen in rhinovirus (common cold) and enterovirus cases. The proportion of positive samples also rose from 39% in week 3 to 54% in week 4.

Mycoplasma bacterial infections (based on clinical evaluations) have decreased recently, with two cases reported in week 4. Two cases of pertussis were identified, the same as in week 3-one in a child aged 5–14 years and the other in an individual aged 65 or older.

Situation in Europe

• Respiratory infections remain widespread across EU/EEA countries.

• Influenza outbreaks are ongoing, though some countries report signs of reaching the peak of the epidemic. Hospitalization rates due to influenza are similar to those seen in recent winters, which placed significant strain on healthcare systems in many countries. Individuals aged 65 and older are at the greatest risk of severe illness and hospitalization, emphasizing the importance of preventative measures, especially vaccination, for this age group.

• RSV activity appears to be declining overall in EU/EEA countries, though trends vary by country. Children under five years old remain the most vulnerable to severe illness and hospitalization due to RSV.

• COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) infection rates remain low in most EU/EEA countries.
  More information is available on the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control website.

Prevention

Vaccination is the most effective protection against severe illness caused by influenza. Vaccines are still available through suppliers and primary healthcare centers. Parents of children aged 6 months to 4 years, individuals over 60 years old, and others in high-risk and priority groups are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated, as these groups face the highest risk of severe illness from influenza.

General Infection Prevention Reminders:

• Avoid contact with others showing symptoms of infection.

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

• Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.

• Take special care around vulnerable individuals if you have symptoms of infection.

• Consider wearing a mask in crowded spaces.

• Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly.

• Clean shared surfaces and ventilate shared spaces whenever possible.

The Chief Epidemiologist