Italian health ministry tightens foreign arrival controls after hantavirus outbreak

Italy's health ministry has issued a circular to medical personnel nationwide, requesting heightened surveillance for hantavirus and other infectious diseases among international arrivals.

The alert follows the cruise ship outbreak and emphasizes screening protocols at ports and airports for travelers from affected regions. Medical staff have been asked to heighten their vigilance, though the World Health Organization maintains that overall hantavirus risk remains low.

The directive represents a precautionary measure to prevent potential spread through border controls and early detection systems.