Hepatitis A Outbreak in Cosenza Linked to Food – 5 Hospitalized

Hepatitis A Outbreak in Cosenza Linked to Food – 5 Hospitalized

March 23, 2026 Nkechi Okonkwo- Health Editor Health

Cosenza, Italy is currently monitoring a cluster of suspected Hepatitis A cases, with five individuals hospitalized at the Annunziata hospital as of March 22, 2026. One patient has been discharged in the last two days. Health officials are investigating a potential link to the consumption of mussels, prompting increased surveillance and testing.

Initial Findings and Patient Status

The Azienda ospedaliera (hospital authority) in Cosenza is closely monitoring the situation, with three cases now confirmed and three others under investigation. According to Martino Rizzo, Director of the Public Hygiene Department of the Cosenza ASP (Local Health Authority), one patient is currently hospitalized in Gastroenterology. CosenzaChannel.it reports that the investigation into the source of the outbreak is complex, as Hepatitis A spreads via the fecal-oral route, making pinpointing the origin challenging.

The Role of Mussels in the Investigation

The common thread emerging from the initial patient histories points towards a possible foodborne transmission, specifically through the consumption of mussels. Even as a definitive link hasn’t been established, health authorities are focusing on this potential exposure pathway. Corriere della Calabria highlights this focus on mussels as a potential source of the outbreak.

Hepatitis A: Understanding the Infection

Hepatitis A is an acute liver infection caused by the Hepatitis A virus (HAV). The virus is primarily spread when an uninfected person ingests food or water contaminated with the feces of an infected person. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and typically include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), dark urine, and pale stools. The infection is usually not life-threatening, and most people recover fully, although it can occasionally lead to acute liver failure. Vaccination is a highly effective way to prevent Hepatitis A infection.

Broader Outbreak Context in Calabria

The cases in Cosenza are occurring alongside other suspected outbreaks in the Calabria region. Cases have also been reported in Catanzaro, where four patients were hospitalized at the Dulbecco University Hospital, with one additional patient discharged. These outbreaks across different areas of Calabria suggest a potential widespread source of contamination, prompting a regional investigation. The possibility of a common food source, like mussels, is being explored to explain the geographically dispersed cases.

Public Health Response and Surveillance

The Italian public health system is responding to these outbreaks through enhanced surveillance and investigation. This includes:

  • Case Identification and Reporting: Healthcare providers are required to report suspected cases of Hepatitis A to local health authorities.
  • Contact Tracing: Public health officials are tracing the contacts of infected individuals to identify potential further cases and assess the extent of the outbreak.
  • Food Safety Investigations: Authorities are investigating the supply chain of potentially contaminated food products, such as mussels, to identify the source of the outbreak and prevent further exposure.
  • Laboratory Testing: Samples from patients and suspected food sources are being tested to confirm the presence of the Hepatitis A virus.

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) provides guidance and support to member states in managing outbreaks of infectious diseases, including Hepatitis A. The ECDC website offers detailed information on the disease, its transmission, and prevention measures.

What to Expect Next: Ongoing Investigation and Guidance

The investigation into the source of the Hepatitis A outbreak in Cosenza and Calabria is ongoing. Public health officials will continue to monitor the situation closely, conduct further investigations, and provide updates as new information becomes available. Individuals who have recently consumed mussels in the affected areas and are experiencing symptoms of Hepatitis A should consult a healthcare professional immediately. The ASP of Cosenza advises anyone experiencing symptoms to seek medical attention and to practice good hygiene, including thorough handwashing after using the restroom and before preparing food.

Further analysis of the cases, including detailed epidemiological studies, will be crucial to determine the exact source of the outbreak and implement effective control measures. The findings from these investigations will inform future public health guidance and prevention strategies.