Epidemic in a tourist region. More than 50 people were taken to hospital
A local epidemic of viral hepatitis (Hepatitis A) infections is developing in Naples and the surrounding area. The authorities responded with a ban, which sparked a protest.
Authorities in Naples in southern Italy are responding to a disturbing number of hepatitis A infections. They have been linked to a risk factor – eating contaminated seafood, especially raw mussels and oysters. These can collect viruses from the water in which they grow.
Hepatitis A epidemic in Naples and the region. Source of seafood
Wanted in Rome reports that cases of infection have been reported not only in Naples and its province, but also in other areas of the Campania region. They also occurred on the island of Ischia in the Gulf of Naples. The number of confirmed infections since January is about 41 times higher than the average over the previous three years. A total of 154 cases were detected by March 20, and 50 people were hospitalized for this reason within 15 days. Everyone’s condition is stable, but one patient developed severe liver failure and was admitted to the ICU.
The authorities’ response was very quick. On March 20, the mayor of Naples, Gaetano Manfredi, signed an emergency regulation prohibiting the consumption of raw crustaceans, mussels, mussels, oysters and sea dates and related molluscs in every establishment in town. Local fish and seafood sellers are devastated. PAP reports that a protest on this matter was organized in front of the city hall on Monday. Eating raw shellfish is a deeply rooted culinary tradition here.
Hepatitis A. Is it dangerous?
Hepatitis A occurs in countries and regions with poor sanitary and hygienic conditions. If tourists get sick as adults, the disease is much more severe than the inhabitants of these countries. It is a self-limiting disease even without vaccination, occurring endemic or as a local epidemic. Symptoms of HAV infection in adults include: jaundice accompanied by flu-like and dyspeptic symptoms, i.e. fever, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting. Treatment is only symptomatic. Hepatitis A does not progress to chronic hepatitis. It is worth adding that the patient’s return to full activity may take up to several months. The infection will be particularly dangerous for pregnant women and the elderly.
