Italian Hepatitis A outbreak linked to shellfish
More than 130 people have been infected with the hepatitis A virus in Italy, with authorities linking the illnesses to contaminated shellfish.
Authorities in the Campania region said 133 cases had been reported since the start of the year.
The response to try to contain this increase includes more testing, epidemiological surveillance, controls in the food supply chain, as well as offering free vaccinations to those most at risk and contacts of infected people. Vulnerable groups include health and social care staff, food supply chain workers and at-risk patients.
The action is based on evidence from epidemiological and laboratory investigations, bivalve mollusc sampling, environmental monitoring and other studies.
Bivalve molluscs, such as mussels, clams and oysters, can be affected when filtered through contaminated water; raw or undercooked consumption should therefore be avoided.
Health officials said it was essential to only buy shellfish from approved retailers, checking labeling, provenance and proper storage methods, and to avoid buying products sold outside official channels.
In February, authorities in the Campania region ordered increased controls on the entire bivalve mollusc supply chain, based on evidence from epidemiological investigations and analyzes of dietary habits.
A monitoring plan includes checks and sampling of bivalve molluscs in primary production areas, in wholesale distribution channels and at retail outlets.
Stopping sales of raw seafood
An emergency network was also created, involving the Centro di Riferimento Regionale per la Sicurezza Sanitaria del Pescato (CRiSSaP), experts from the local health authorities (ASL), the Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno (IZSM) and the University of Naples Federico II.
A series of measures have been taken in Naples (Naples) to deal with the increase in cases of hepatitis A. Epidemiological data shows three cases in January, 19 in February and 43 in the first 19 days of March.
A ban on the serving and consumption of raw seafood in all public establishments has been put in place. The sale of these products is still permitted, but authorities have advised people not to consume them raw at home. The measures will remain in effect until health authorities reassess the situation.
Violations will be punished with fines ranging from €2,000 ($2,300) to €20,000 ($23,000). Repeat offenses will result in suspension of activity for 1 to 30 days and subsequent withdrawal of operating permits.
From January to June 2025, the Integrated Epidemiological Surveillance System for Acute Viral Hepatitis (SEIEVA), coordinated by the Italian National Institute of Health (ISS), recorded 247 cases of hepatitis A. The risk factor most frequently reported by patients was the consumption of seafood. A total of 52 cases were linked to the consumption of berries.
Hepatitis A attacks the liver and can be spread when a person ingests the virus through close contact with an infected person or through contaminated food or drink. Symptoms last from a few days to several months and begin 15 to 50 days after infection. They range from mild to severe and include a sudden onset of fever, fatigue, lack of appetite, nausea, stomach pain, dark urine, and jaundice (a yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes).
