Italy’s Health Ministry has reiterated that the risk of hantavirus spreading in the country remains “very low,” while at the same time issuing precautionary guidelines for people who may have had close contact with passengers from the vessel Hondius.
Under the new recommendations, individuals considered at high risk are advised to undergo a six-week precautionary quarantine. Measures include staying in a separate room, maintaining at least two meters of distance from family members, using separate utensils and ensuring good indoor ventilation.
Authorities clarified that people in quarantine may still leave home when necessary for mental well-being, provided they wear a liquid-resistant surgical mask and avoid crowded places.
High-risk contacts include household members, intimate partners, people sharing rooms or bathrooms with a confirmed or suspected case, healthcare workers lacking adequate protective equipment, passengers seated near an infected person on long-haul flights and anyone who handled contaminated materials without protection.
Low-risk contacts are instead advised to monitor themselves for symptoms for up to 42 days after exposure. Symptoms include fever, muscle pain, headaches, fatigue, gastrointestinal problems and respiratory issues.
The Health Ministry also stated that anyone developing symptoms should immediately self-isolate, notify local health authorities and undergo medical evaluation and diagnostic testing. The circular has been distributed to regional administrations and border health offices across Italy.