Norovirus cases reported in Hrafntinnusker as gastrointestinal illness affects tourists in Iceland

Two cases of norovirus have been reported in Hrafntinnusker, amidst a rise in gastrointestinal illness affecting nearly one hundred people during highland excursions in popular tourist areas. The latest infections were identified at a mountain hut in Hrafntinnusker, with norovirus confirmed in samples from nine individuals who visited Rjúpnavellir and in two schoolchildren who stayed in Emstrum.

Recent weeks have seen numerous groups of travelers affected by stomach illness, primarily around the Landmannaleið route (including Landmannalaugar, Landmannahellir, Áfangagil, Hólaskógur, and Rjúpnavellir) and on the Laugavegur trail (which connects Landmannalaugar, Hrafntinnusker, Álftavatn, Hvanngil, Emstrur, and Þórsmörk).

Initially, authorities had hoped that the outbreak was under control, but reports of two additional sick individuals in Hrafntinnusker emerged. Confirmed cases exceed sixty related to trips along the Landmannaleið, while over forty have recently fallen ill on the Laugavegur trail. The actual number of sick travelers is likely significantly higher since many do not report their illnesses to officials. During peak summer months, hundreds of tourists are expected to traverse these routes.

Health authorities have been proactive, collecting water samples from various huts in the affected regions to ensure that drinking water sources are not contaminated by pathogens, including norovirus. Testing has been conducted at Rjúpnavellir, Hólaskógur, Áfangagil, Landmannahellir, Landmannalaugar, Hrafntinnusker, and Álftavatn, with plans for additional sampling in Hvanngil, Emstrum, and Básar.