Naples, March 26, 2026 – An ongoing outbreak of Hepatitis A continues to affect the Campania region, with a significant number of cases reported across several provinces. Cotugno Hospital in Naples, a leading infectious disease facility, admitted 73 patients with Hepatitis A in March alone, with five individuals currently in the emergency room. The situation remains stable, but regional authorities have initiated a robust response to contain the spread of the virus.
Widespread Impact Across Campania
Beyond Naples, the Hepatitis A outbreak has also impacted other areas within Campania. Caserta has reported just over 50 infections, with a peak observed in Sessa Aurunca. In the province of Salerno, approximately 25 cases have been confirmed, leading to restrictions on school cafeterias in areas like Sala Consilina, where students are temporarily barred from eating fresh fruit. Additionally, about a dozen individuals have tested positive for the virus in Avellino and Benevento, each reporting a similar number of cases. The NAS (National Health Authority) is actively conducting further sampling to monitor the epidemiological situation.
Coordinated Regional Response and Enhanced Measures
In response to the outbreak, Michele di Bari, the Prefect of Naples, convened the Provincial Committee for Public Order and Safety. This meeting, held in agreement with Regional President Roberto Fico, brought together law enforcement, local health authorities (ASL), and the Department of Health to formulate a coordinated strategy. The comprehensive plan focuses on three key pillars: intensified monitoring, a strengthened vaccination campaign, and widespread health and hygiene checks.
The Campania Region has committed to reinforcing all critical public health mechanisms. This includes a particular emphasis on epidemiological surveillance to track the virus’s spread and timely case management to ensure affected individuals receive appropriate care. The vaccination campaign has been significantly bolstered to increase immunity within the population. Furthermore, coordination among hospitals has been enhanced to ensure adequate bed availability for patients requiring hospitalization.
Task Force for Public Venue Control and Food Safety
A dedicated task force has been established to conduct monitoring and control activities in public venues, markets, and across the food supply chain. This initiative aims to combat illegal activities that could contribute to the virus’s transmission and to ensure stringent hygiene standards are maintained. These measures are crucial in preventing further spread of Hepatitis A, which is typically transmitted through contaminated food and water or close contact with an infected person.
The regional government’s proactive approach underscores the seriousness with which this public health challenge is being addressed. By combining enhanced surveillance, widespread vaccination, and strict hygiene controls, authorities aim to mitigate the impact of the Hepatitis A outbreak and protect the health of Campania’s residents.
The situation continues to be closely monitored by health officials, and further updates will be provided as the situation evolves.
