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Naples Hepatitis A Outbreak Spurs Raw-Shellfish Ban as Cases Top 130

Suspected contamination of raw molluscs is driving a vaccination push alongside stricter food hygiene.

Overview

  • Regional data list 133 confirmed cases since January, with ASL Napoli 1 reporting a tenfold rise over the 10‑year average and 41 times the recent three‑year baseline.
  • At Cotugno hospital there are about 51 inpatients with nine more in emergency care, and a 46‑year‑old with severe liver failure was transferred for transplant evaluation.
  • Naples issued an urgent ordinance prohibiting serving and consuming raw shellfish in public venues with fines up to €20,000, and similar measures were adopted in Torre del Greco, Benevento and Forio d’Ischia.
  • Carabinieri NAS launched inspections of restaurants, fish sellers and informal markets, collecting samples for analysis at the Portici zooprophylactic institute as supply‑chain controls are tightened.
  • Health authorities urge avoiding raw molluscs, thorough cooking and purchasing only from authorized vendors, alongside targeted vaccination for contacts and high‑risk groups.