Hepatitis A Outbreak: Naples Bans Raw Seafood as Cases Rise

Hepatitis A Outbreak Prompts Naples to Ban Raw Seafood

A rise in Hepatitis A cases in the Campania region of Italy, specifically Naples, has prompted local authorities to seize action. As of today, March 20, 2026, the city of Naples has issued an emergency ordinance prohibiting the sale and consumption of raw seafood in all public establishments. This measure comes as the region reports a total of 133 cases of Hepatitis A this year, a significant increase that requires heightened attention to food safety and public health.

The regional government is reinforcing control measures along the entire supply chain of bivalve mollusks and implementing preventative actions in response to the rising case numbers. These efforts involve the Departments of Prevention within local health authorities (ASL), the Southern Italy Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute, and a network of scientific experts activated by the regional health authority.

No Immediate Emergency, But Vigilance Remains Key

Despite the increasing number of cases, the Naples hospital network, Azienda Ospedaliera dei Colli, has stated that there is currently no emergency situation. The hospital reports that the situation at the Cotugno Hospital emergency room remains “overall stable,” while approximately 14 recent cases were recorded yesterday. This statement aims to reassure the public while emphasizing the need for continued vigilance.

The Ordinance: Protecting Public Health Through Restriction

The ordinance signed by Naples Mayor Gaetano Manfredi specifically prohibits the serving and consumption of raw seafood in all public venues, including restaurants, bars, and food production facilities for immediate consumption. Citizens are too strongly advised to refrain from consuming raw seafood at home. The decision was made following a report from the local health department (ASL Napoli 1 Centro) indicating a tenfold increase in Hepatitis A cases compared to the average of the last ten years, and a forty-one-fold increase compared to the last three years. The number of hospitalizations related to the illness has also been rising, with 14 new admissions reported at Cotugno Hospital on March 19th.

Violations of the ordinance will be subject to administrative fines ranging from €2,000 to €20,000. Repeated offenses could lead to suspension or revocation of business licenses. The measures will remain in effect until the epidemiological situation improves, as determined by the ASL Napoli 1 Centro.

What is Hepatitis A? Understanding the Infection

Hepatitis A is an acute liver infection caused by the Hepatitis A virus (HAV). It’s typically spread through the fecal-oral route – meaning through ingestion of contaminated food or water, or through close contact with an infected person. The virus is present in the stool of an infected individual even before symptoms appear, making it easily transmissible. The incubation period, the time between exposure and symptom onset, generally ranges from 15 to 50 days.

Common symptoms of Hepatitis A include fever, fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain, dark urine, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes). Though, many individuals, particularly children, may experience mild or no symptoms at all. Foodborne transmission is often linked to raw or undercooked foods, especially bivalve mollusks like mussels, clams, and oysters, which can accumulate the virus from contaminated water.

The Role of Seafood and Prevention Strategies

The current outbreak is believed to originate from contaminated batches of mussels and oysters, according to initial tracing efforts by the Zooprophylactic Institute of Portici. This highlights the importance of proper food handling and preparation. To protect against infection, the Campania region recommends avoiding the consumption of raw or lightly cooked mollusks. When cooking these shellfish, it’s crucial to ensure they are thoroughly cooked until all shells open and the flesh is firm throughout – simply opening the shell is not sufficient.

Other preventative measures include purchasing seafood only from authorized retailers, verifying proper labeling and storage conditions, and avoiding products of questionable origin. For frozen berries, boiling for at least two minutes is recommended before consumption, as raw berries can also be a source of contamination.

Regional Response and Ongoing Monitoring

The Campania region is actively monitoring the increase in cases and strengthening controls throughout the bivalve mollusk supply chain. The Hepatitis A virus is a picornavirus, and while the illness is usually self-limiting and benign, severe forms and even fatal cases can occur, though they are rare. The regional health authority is emphasizing the importance of vaccination, particularly for individuals who have been in close contact with a confirmed case.

The current situation underscores the importance of robust public health surveillance and rapid response measures to contain outbreaks of foodborne illnesses. Further investigation is needed to pinpoint the exact source of the contamination and implement effective long-term prevention strategies. Individuals concerned about potential exposure or experiencing symptoms of Hepatitis A should consult with a healthcare professional. More information on symptoms and the outbreak can be found at AGI.

The public is encouraged to stay informed about updates from local health authorities and follow recommended preventative measures to minimize the risk of infection. Sky TG24 provides further details on the outbreak and the city’s response. Sky TG24 also offers an in-depth explainer on Hepatitis A.