FHI reports a broad decline in other infectious diseases while corona measures were in force in Norway

Border with SwedenPhoto: Svinesundbrua / Vidar Ruud NTB

Fewer people traveled out of the country last year, and fewer people came to Norway. The National Institute of Public Health (FHI) reports a broad decline in other infectious diseases while corona measures were in force.

There were fewer cases of vector-borne diseases in 2020 than the year before. By vector-borne diseases include indirect infection through, for example, bloodsuckers such as ticks and mosquitoes. 

The number of reported cases of malaria decreased by as much as 76%, from 196 in 2019 to 48 cases in 2020. Dengue fever cases were reduced by 74%, according to the FHI’s annual report on infectious diseases related to food, water, and animals.

Increased infection in Norway

The largest reductions in infection were in cases of campylobacteriosis, salmonellosis, EHEC, hepatitis A, and legionellosis.

At the same time as fewer people became infected abroad, cryptosporidiosis, campylobacteriosis, and yersiniosis infection in Norway increased. 

Contact with animals and bad water

The FHI suggests that the increase in these infectious diseases is due to more Norwegians being out in Norwegian nature in the summer of 2020, as a result of travel restrictions abroad.

“This may have increased the use of water with poor quality in the open country and cabins, as well as increased contact with livestock such as cows, calves, and lambs,” it is stated in the FHI report “Annual report for 2020 on infection from food, water, and animals.”

Source: © NTB Scanpix / #Norway Today / #NorwayTodayNews

Do you have a news tip for Norway Today? We want to hear it. Get in touch at [email protected]

Be the first to comment on "FHI reports a broad decline in other infectious diseases while corona measures were in force in Norway"

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published.


*