Iceland’s Chief Epidemiologist Calms Fears Over Tuberculosis Cases

2026-02-22 - 08:35

Iceland’s Chief Epidemiologist, Guðrún Aspelund, has reassured the public that there is no reason to be concerned about the recent rise in tuberculosis (TB) cases. The expert stated that while the number of infections has slightly increased, the overall incidence of TB remains low across the country. What's the Story? Iceland’s Chief Epidemiologist reassures the public that the rise in tuberculosis cases is not a concern. More diagnoses are due to improved screening methods, not a growing epidemic. Health officials are considering regular TB screening for healthcare workers after detecting asymptomatic infections. Doctor in Iceland. Photo: Páll Stefánsson Despite a few cases registered, Aspelund stressed that public in Iceland is at no risk of contracting the disease. The expert explained that most individuals diagnosed with TB infection are asymptomatic and cannot transmit the bacteria to others. The latest figures from the Directorate of Health show that eight people were diagnosed with tuberculosis in 2024, a decrease from previous years. The increase in diagnoses is attributed to more widespread screening and the introduction of a new blood test, which is more sensitive than the older skin test. While TB cases in Iceland have not exceeded 20 since 2020, most infections have been found in foreign nationals. “Most infections come from outside, either from long-term residents who have been infected abroad or from recent arrivals,” Aspelund explained. The Director of the Capital Region Health Care recently suggested that healthcare workers could be regularly screened due to cases of asymptomatic infections detected among staff at Landspítali. However, Aspelund emphasised that screening the general public is not necessary.