An unusual surge in Hepatitis A cases is currently being reported at the Cotugno Hospital in Naples, Italy, raising concerns among health officials. As of Thursday, March 19, 2026, the hospital is reporting 43 patients hospitalized with the virus – a significantly higher number than typically seen in March.
“We are in a very acute phase,” stated Novella Carannante, an infectious disease specialist at the hospital, according to reports. “We now have 43 hospitalized patients, a very unusual number for the month of March.”
The influx of patients has strained resources at the hospital, with many awaiting beds in the emergency room. Typically, Carannante explained, the hospital sees around ten mild cases during this time of year, which can be diagnosed and treated at home. However, the current situation involves a large number of severe cases, filling the hospital ward and requiring the use of gurneys in the emergency department. This overcrowding is a source of worry for healthcare staff, who hope the situation will improve soon.
One patient, a 46-year-old man, is experiencing severe liver failure in addition to Hepatitis A and has been transferred to the Cardarelli hospital for evaluation for a potential liver transplant.
Hepatitis A cases in the Campania region typically peak in January, often linked to the consumption of raw shellfish during the holiday season. However, cases usually decline in March. The recent increase has prompted heightened vigilance. Health officials are noting a higher-than-usual level of liver enzymes in the affected patients. The majority of those hospitalized are between 35 and 45 years old and require hospital care.
In response to the outbreak, the Campania Region has announced increased monitoring of the entire mollusk supply chain and strengthened preventative measures against Hepatitis A. The regional government stated that these actions are being taken in light of the number of cases recorded since the beginning of the year.
The situation extends beyond Cotugno Hospital, with facilities in Pozzuoli, Frattamaggiore, and Aversa as well experiencing strain. According to reports, the number of confirmed cases in the Campania region has reached 133 as of Thursday, March 19, 2026.
Although officials are stopping short of declaring an epidemic, the rapid increase in cases is concerning. The Cotugno Hospital initially stopped accepting transfers from other facilities due to capacity issues, leading other hospitals in the surrounding area to dedicate entire wards to Hepatitis A patients.
Carannante noted the current situation is reminiscent of the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. She also warned that the upcoming Easter holiday and the traditional consumption of mussel soup could lead to a further increase in cases. Experts believe that over half of the patients have reported consuming raw seafood.
Health officials emphasize the importance of vaccination and practicing good hygiene, including thorough handwashing and proper food preparation, to prevent the spread of the virus. The hospital stated that while the situation is currently stable, continued monitoring is essential.
Despite the increase in cases, the Azienda Ospedaliera dei Colli maintains that there is no current emergency. Hospital officials reported that the emergency room situation remains relatively stable, with approximately 14 new cases reported on Thursday, March 19, 2026.
