Health authorities in Iceland are urging the public to take extra precautions after a sharp rise in norovirus infections, alongside an influenza outbreak that has arrived earlier than usual.
According to new data, reported norovirus cases tripled at the beginning of December, increasing from around ten to roughly thirty cases in a single week.
At the same time, influenza continues to spread, with 111 people diagnosed last week, of whom 24 required hospital treatment. The number of severe flu cases remains similar to the previous week.
Infections Rise Nationwide Photo: Landspítali/Facebook. The University HospitalChief Epidemiologist Guðrún Aspelund told Iceland’s national broadcaster, RÚV, norovirus activity normally increases during winter but noted that this year’s surge came earlier than expected.
“This came about a month earlier than usual and the flu has been on the rise recently… Norovirus is a common viral infection, especially in the winter. It often comes in clusters and is just very contagious between people. It is highly contagious.”
Norovirus spreads primarily through close contact and contaminated surfaces, making it difficult to contain once outbreaks begin.
At Landspítali, the situation is placing additional pressure on hospital services. Ólafur Guðlaugsson, Chief Physician of Infection Control, said roughly 40 patients have recently been diagnosed with influenza, with a similar number confirmed to have norovirus.
“One person can infect a lot of people,” he said, emphasising the importance of handwashing, especially during social gatherings over the Christmas period.
Care homes have also been affected. María Fjóla Harðardóttir, CEO of Hrafnista, said both staff and residents have experienced infections at several facilities, though no hospitalisations have been reported. She encouraged people with symptoms to postpone visits and practise good hygiene.
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