Situation in Iceland

The number of detected influenza and RSV infections continues to decline. Few cases of COVID-19 are being reported. The number of other respiratory virus detections has fluctuated in recent weeks. Sporadic cases of whooping cough (pertussis) continue to be diagnosed, but at a much lower rate than during last spring’s outbreak.

Influenza, RSV, and COVID-19

The number of influenza detections is gradually decreasing. In total, 28 individuals were diagnosed with influenza in Week 9: 17 with influenza A(pdm09), five with influenza A(H3), and six with influenza B. Cases were recorded across all age groups: two were under five years old, three were aged 5–14 years, 11 were 15–64 years, and 12 were 65 years or older.

Eight individuals were in hospital at Landspítali with influenza in Week 9, including five aged 65 and older, two aged 15–64, and one child under five. Additionally, 11 individuals visited emergency departments for varying durations due to influenza, a number that has been gradually declining in recent weeks.

The number of confirmed RSV infections continues to decrease. In Week 9, five cases were reported: two individuals aged 15–64, one child aged 1–2 years, and two infants under one year. Two children were in hospital with RSV, both under one year old.

One individual aged 15–64 was diagnosed with COVID-19. No COVID-19 hospitalizations were reported.

Other Respiratory Infections

The number of detections of respiratory viruses, excluding influenza, RSV, and SARS-CoV-2, has fluctuated in recent weeks. Rhinovirus (common cold) remains the most frequently detected virus, while non-SARS-CoV-2 coronaviruses were the second most common in Week 9. Similar to Week 8, the number of Human Metapneumovirus detections increased compared to earlier this winter. Slightly fewer respiratory samples were analyzed in Week 9 compared to previous weeks (191 in total). The percentage of positive samples has fluctuated since the end of 2024 and was 46% in Week 9.

The number of Mycoplasma bacterial infections (clinician-diagnosed, regardless of laboratory results) remained stable, with two cases in Week 9. One child aged 5–14 was diagnosed with whooping cough. Two additional cases were added to the Week 8 data, bringing the total for that week to three cases, all in individuals aged 15–64.

Situation in Europe

• Respiratory infections remain widespread in EU/EEA countries.

• The influenza epidemic appears to have peaked in most countries, but case numbers continue to rise in some areas. The hospitalization rate, which has been very high in recent weeks, is now declining. Hospitalization rates remain highest among individuals aged 65 and older.

• The RSV situation varies between countries, but overall incidence is decreasing. Hospitalizations due to RSV remain most common among children under five years old.

• COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) incidence is very low in most EU/EEA countries.

For further information, visit the website of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC).

General Preventive Measures We remind the public to:

• Avoid contact with others who show symptoms of infection.

• Stay home while symptomatic and until fully recovered, including being fever-free for at least 24 hours.

• Cover your 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 ensure good ventilation in communal areas where possible.

• Consider wearing a face mask in crowded settings.

• Use face masks in healthcare settings during peak influenza season to help protect vulnerable individuals.

The Chief Epidemiologist