Health

In general, no special immunizations or medications are necessary for travel to Italy and there are no specific health risks. EU citizens can make use of Italy's health services provided they have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Cases of the N1 bird flu were found in swans in southern Italy and Sicily, but there is a low risk of human infection; as a precaution all close contact with wild, caged and domestic birds should be avoided, and poultry and egg dishes should be cooked thoroughly. An outbreak of Legionnaires' disease has been reported in Venice, and travelers who develop fever, coughs or chest tightness after visiting Venice should seek immediate medical attention.

Because of a recent increase in measles cases, all travelers born after 1956 should make sure they have had either two documented measles immunizations or a blood test showing measles immunity.