NEAPLES, Italy – Health officials in Italy are investigating a significant surge in Hepatitis A cases, prompting a ban on the sale and consumption of raw seafood in Naples. The outbreak is raising concerns about public health and prompting increased vigilance among residents and visitors.
As of March 25, 2026, more than 150 cases of Hepatitis A have been recorded in the Campania region since the beginning of the year, with 84 of those cases concentrated in Naples, according to reports. The islands of Capri and the Amalfi Coast are also experiencing a rise in infections.
Raw mussels and other shellfish are suspected as the primary source of the outbreak, with positive findings identified in laboratory tests. Medical professionals have also reported an unusual number of severe cases, leading to heightened monitoring of the situation in Naples and surrounding areas.
City Responds with Ban
On March 19, 2026, the city of Naples issued a mayoral decree aimed at protecting public health. The order prohibits the sale and consumption of raw seafood in restaurants, snack bars and other food establishments. This measure reflects the seriousness with which local authorities are addressing the outbreak.
The directive extends to private consumption, with residents advised to refrain from eating raw seafood until further assessments are completed by the ASL Napoli 1 Centro health authority. Violators of the ban face fines ranging from 2,000 to 20,000 euros, with potential for business closures in cases of repeated offenses.
What to Know Now
Consumers are advised to consume mussels, oysters, and similar products only after they have been thoroughly cooked. Hepatitis A is typically transmitted through contaminated food or water. Common symptoms include nausea, fever, abdominal pain, and jaundice.
Italy remains a popular travel destination, but travelers, particularly those visiting coastal areas around Naples, are urged to exercise caution when dining out and to avoid consuming raw seafood. The outbreak underscores the importance of food safety practices and awareness when traveling internationally.
