Health Risks for the Milano Cortina Winter Olympic Games in Italy

Norovirus  

Seasonal norovirus activity is elevated in several European countries, including Italy, and is consistent with winter transmission patterns and increased travel-associated risk. Four players from Finland’s Olympic women’s ice hockey team (Feb. 4) and one player from Switzerland (Feb. 6) developed acute gastrointestinal illness and tested positive for norovirus while residing in the Olympic Village. Game organizers have confirmed isolation protocols and outbreak response measures to reduce further transmission. Infections are typically not severe and self-limiting.  

COVID-19   

Two support staff members associated with Australia’s team tested positive for COVID-19 on Jan. 28 and 31.  As of Feb. 9, no athletes have tested positive for COVID-19. These cases are consistent with endemic circulation of SARS-CoV-2 in Italy and do not indicate unusual epidemiological patterns.  

Seasonal Influenza and Respiratory Infections   

The Olympic period coincides with peak winter respiratory virus activity. Influenza and RSV circulation remain elevated and are likely to increase in February. High-density settings, such as athlete villages, transportation systems, competition venues, and social gatherings, increase the likelihood of indoor transmission.  

Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD)   

Meningococcal activity typically peaks between January and March in Europe. There is an increased risk of transmission in the region during winter mass gatherings, as IMD can occur and spread through close, prolonged contact in crowded settings. IMD causes severe disease and has a high case fatality rate; a single confirmed case is cause for public concern and disruption to the competition.  

Measles  

Measles is endemic and continues to circulate in Italy, with 529 cases reported in 2025. Due to the high crowd density, sports events are considered high-risk for measles transmission.  Measles cases are rising globally and in Europe, as importations of the virus between countries and continents occur regularly, and outbreaks of this highly infectious disease will occur wherever the virus finds pockets of un- or under-vaccinated people.   

In addition to adhering to vaccination guidelines for international travel, basic health precautions can help reduce the likelihood of exposure to many communicable diseases. These precautions include:

• Hand hygiene: Individuals should regularly wash their hands with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Regular disinfection of common surfaces, especially during food preparation
• Social distancing: Be cautious when interacting with obviously ill people, and avoid crowded areas when possible.
• Food and water safety: Ensure that all food has been carefully prepared and served, and use only bottled, boiled, or otherwise purified water. When eating out, individuals should eat only food that is well-cooked and served hot.

This report represents the most up-to-date information as of Feb. 9.    

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