Health authorities in southern Italy are investigating a rapidly expanding hepatitis A outbreak centred on Naples. Hospitals are under pressure with cases spreading to nearby areas. There is also a ban introduced on the consumption of raw shellfish in public establishments.
Officials say infections in the Campania region are running far above normal levels, prompting emergency measures and intensified inspections of seafood supply chains.
Quick Facts
- Hepatitis A outbreak centred on Naples spreads across Campania
- Cases reported at around 41 times the recent three-year average
- Raw shellfish banned in public venues by Naples mayor
- More than 50 patients admitted to infectious disease hospital in 15 days
- Cases also recorded on the island of Ischia
- Authorities suspect contaminated shellfish as likely source
Cases surge across the region
According to data from ASL Napoli 1 Centro, 84 cases have been recorded in the Naples area since January, roughly ten times the long-term average. Across Campania, confirmed infections rose from 133 to 154 within 24 hours, with additional cases under investigation.
Health officials say the rate of infection is approximately 41 times higher than the average recorded over the previous three years for the same period. New cases have also been identified in Forio on Ischia and in other municipalities across the region.
Hospitals under pressure
The outbreak has placed strain on the Ospedale Cotugno, the region’s main infectious disease centre. More than 50 patients were admitted within 15 days, filling observation beds and requiring stretchers in corridors.
Hospital officials reported that around 120 available beds were fully occupied during peak pressure. One patient developed severe liver failure and was transferred to the liver intensive care unit at Cardarelli Hospital, while others were described as clinically stable.
Cases have also been recorded at hospitals in Pozzuoli, Aversa and Frattamaggiore, as well as at Naples’ Ospedale del Mare.
Raw shellfish ban introduced
Naples mayor Gaetano Manfredi signed an emergency ordinance banning the consumption of raw shellfish in all public establishments across the city.
The measure prohibits serving raw mussels, clams, oysters and similar molluscs in restaurants, bars and street-food venues. The sale of seafood remains permitted, and cooked products can still be served. Authorities believe raw shellfish may be the most likely transmission route. As filter feeders, shellfish can concentrate viruses present in contaminated water, creating a direct risk when eaten raw.
Inspections of restaurants and suppliers have been intensified, with the Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno tasked with tracing possible contamination in the supply chain.
What is hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is a viral infection affecting the liver. It spreads mainly through contaminated food or water, or close contact with infected individuals. Symptoms include fever, nausea, abdominal pain, dark urine and jaundice.
The illness is usually self-limiting, but recovery can take weeks and, in rare cases, can lead to acute liver failure, particularly in older patients or those with pre-existing conditions.
The incubation period can extend up to 50 days, meaning current cases may reflect exposure weeks earlier.
Water supply under review
Investigators are examining whether contaminated water may also be involved, although early testing has not identified the virus in the municipal network. Officials say the pattern currently appears consistent with a food-related cluster.
Authorities have urged residents and visitors to avoid raw or undercooked shellfish, wash hands thoroughly and seek medical advice if symptoms develop. Vaccination is also recommended for high-risk groups and close contacts of confirmed cases.
The outbreak has also raised concerns for Naples’ long-standing tradition of eating raw seafood, a practice deeply embedded in local food culture and widely offered in street stalls and restaurants. Health officials say compliance with the temporary restrictions will be key to limiting further spread.
