Europe

There have been confirmed human cases of A (H1N1) - Swine Flu in Italy. You can check for updates on the number of cases and their location through the Public Health Agency of Italy - Ministero della Salute (in Italian only) and also in country by telephone: 1500.  The World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised its Pandemic Threat Alert Phase to Level 6.  The WHO website has further details. Check Swine Flu for further information. You should monitor local media reports for any developments and advice.  Check Swine Flu for further information. Guidance on Pandemic Flu can be obtained on the UK Department of Health website.

Form E111 is no longer valid.  You should obtain a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before leaving the UK.  The EHIC is not a substitute for medical and travel insurance, but entitles you to emergency medical treatment on the same terms as Italian nationals.  You will not be covered for medical repatriation, on-going medical treatment or treatment of a non-urgent nature.  For more general information see EHIC.

 

In the 2008 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 150,000 adults aged 15 or over in Italy were living with HIV; the prevalence rate was estimated at around 0.4% of the adult population. This compares to the prevalence rate in adults in the UK of around 0.2%.  You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see HIV/AIDS.

You should seek medical advice before travelling to Italy and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up to date.  For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should check the websites of NaTHNaC and NHS Scotland’s Fit for Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.

 

For more general information see Travel health.

Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)

 

The Italian government confirmed on 11 February 2006 that the H5N1 form of Avian Influenza had been found in six migratory swans in Sicily and southern Italy.  The Italian government has confirmed that urgent biosecurity measures have already been implemented in accordance with EU legislation.  No human infections or deaths have been reported.

 

The risk to humans from Avian Influenza is believed to be very low.  As a precaution, you should avoid visiting live animal markets, poultry farms and other places where you may come into close contact with domestic, caged or wild birds; and ensure poultry and egg dishes are thoroughly cooked.

You should read this advice in conjunction with the Avian & Pandemic Influenza, which gives more detailed advice and information.