Around the world, there is cause for concern – but that cause should not create a need for hysteria. Unlike many media outlets today, authorities and experts in the health fields say there is no reason to fear visiting Italy – so long as you take the same precautions you would against the flu.

Italy’s Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio warned that an “epidemic of misleading information” would damage Italy “more than the virus itself”, which, he added, had infected 0.1% of towns in the country. Italy’s government is urging foreign media to reassure people around the world that it is safe to visit Italy.