Italian authorities have banned the sale of shellfish in the Campania region following an outbreak of hepatitis A, with 65 confirmed cases reported as of March 19. The region includes popular tourist destinations such as Naples and Capri. The Travel Health Pro website, supported by the UK Foreign Office, issued the alert, noting that evidence links the cases to contaminated seafood.
Italian media report that since the start of the year, approximately 180 cases have been recorded. Dr Raffaele Di Sarno, head of the infectious disease emergency room at Cotugno Hospital, stated that 51 patients are currently hospitalised, with nine in the emergency room. Patients are aged between 30 and 40 and have uncomplicated hepatitis, which is not currently a cause for concern.
The City of Naples, through an order signed by Mayor Gaetano Manfredi, has prohibited the consumption of raw mussels in all public establishments, including restaurants and food businesses. Similar orders have been issued by the mayors of Benevento and Forio on Ischia. The NAS Carabinieri have begun inspections at eateries, fish merchants, and market stalls to check for untraceable seafood.
Professor Maria Triassi of the University of Naples suggested the outbreak may have originated from a batch of mussels in the Naples area. She noted that while the local population was previously immunised through constant exposure to the virus in childhood, many now lack antibodies, making vaccination essential. The regional response includes inspections by the Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Southern Italy.
Symptoms reported among those seeking hospital treatment include fever, jaundice, dark urine, diminished appetite, nausea, and exhaustion. The Prevention Department has advised mayors to suspend shellfish sales across the region. Cristina Mussini, president of the Italian Society of Infectious Diseases, warned that changes in mental status and possible bleeding require immediate emergency care.
