Media release from the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
AustraliaÂs Ambassador to Italy is flying to Venice today to liaise
with Italian authorities following the death of an Australian traveller from
suspected meningococcal disease.
The 25-year-old Sydney man was in Rome on a Contiki ÂEuropean ExperienceÂ
Tour when he became ill and was hospitalised yesterday. He died last night.
The tour group, including 47 Australians, continued on to Venice following
his hospitalisation but has now been confined to a camp ground pending the
provision of appropriate preventative medication. Australian embassy officials
in Rome are working to ensure this medication is provided today.
Embassy officials are also in contact with the group leader and Contiki management
in London. They have put Contiki in touch with public health officials in
Venice and are urging Venetian authorities to brief the group on the disease
and the need to be vigilant for symptoms. AustraliaÂs Ambassador, Murray
Cobban, will reinforce this message on arrival in Venice.
The Contiki tour left London on 12 July on a tour to 10 countries including
France, Monaco, Italy, the Vatican City, Austria, Germany, Liechtenstein,
Switzerland, Holland and Belgium. It is due to return to London on 31 July.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Canberra is providing consular
assistance to family members.