Hepatitis A in Italy: epidemiology and suggestions for control.

Seroepidemiologic and surveillance data show that hepatitis A is declining in both Northern and Southern Italy, in the latter the decline has been more recent. Every year about two thousand cases of acute disease occur. Shellfish consumption and travel to endemic areas are at present the most important risk factors in Italy. Use of immunoglobulin is effective in controlling outbreaks and preventing hepatitis A among travellers. Active immunization for travellers to endemic areas will be recommended, when a vaccine will be available. Adequate cooking of shellfish is at present the only advisable measure to prevent the risk represented by their consumption. Acute morbidity and the occurrence of outbreaks suggest the need to keep our attention on hepatitis A infection in Italy.