Skip to content Public Health Authorities Monitor Hantavirus Cases Across Multiple Regions
International public health authorities are closely monitoring a series of hantavirus cases recently reported in several regions worldwide. While the most covered outbreak is on a ship, cases of hantaviruses have been common in South America for some time already.
The outbreak has once again highlighted the importance of employer obligations relating to employee safety during international assignments and cross-border activities.
Authorities continue to recommend preventive measures for individuals working or travelling in potentially affected environments.
Most recently, the Italy’s Ministry of Health declared a recommended period of 6 weeks quarantine for the individuals who were on the ship and now arriving in Italy.
Implications for International Employers and Mobile Workforce
For companies operating internationally or managing mobile employees, outbreaks of infectious diseases may have relevant implications from a compliance, HR, and tax perspectives.
Under Italian legislation, employers are required to adopt all necessary measures to protect workers’ health and safety pursuant to Legislative Decree No. 81/2008.
From a practical perspective, employers sending personnel abroad or engaging workers in regions where public health alerts are active should consider implementing the following measures:
- Workplace health and safety obligations;
- Travel risk management procedures, including
- Monitoring travel advisories and health alerts
- Updating risk assessment documentation;
- Providing employees with adequate health and safety information;
- Verifying insurance policies and international medical assistance coverage;
- Remote work alternatives;
- Insurance coverage and medical assistance availability;
- Immigration and mobility planning in case of sudden travel restrictions or health-related limitations.
Particular attention should be paid to employees operating in sectors involving environmental exposure, logistics, agriculture, construction, warehousing, or rural activities where contact with rodent-contaminated environments may be more likely.
Arletti & Partners Assistance
Arletti & Partners developed the Risk Assessment service on its propriety software Atlasposting to provide companies with country risks reports, including health risks, preventative measures and advice when travelling and in the country of destination.
This service is based on legally recognized travel standards of the World Health Organisation, the ISO Guidelines 31030 on Travel Risk Management for Companies, EU laws on Health and Safety at Work, and Legislative Decree No. 81/2008.
Our professionals continuously monitor international regulatory and operational developments that may affect cross-border business activities and workforce mobility.
Follow news and developments about global mobility on our website and feel free to contact us on our Global Mobility service page for assistance about similar topics.