The CDC and FDA have confirmed a multistate hepatitis A outbreak linked to imported frozen clams that has sickened at least 37 people across four states, with 30 of those patients requiring hospitalization. No deaths have been reported. Cases have been identified in Massachusetts, Minnesota, New York, and Pennsylvania, with illness onset dates spanning from July 30, 2025 through June 23, 2026. The outbreak is linked to La Serranita brand concha negra (black clam) products from Ecuador, which were recalled by the FDA in April 2026.
What Is Hepatitis A?
Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus, typically spread through contaminated food or water. Unlike hepatitis B and C, it does not cause chronic liver disease. Symptoms appear two to seven weeks after exposure and include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, low-grade fever, dark urine, and jaundice. Most people recover fully without treatment, but severe cases can require hospitalization. Hepatitis A is vaccine-preventable.
What Is Being Investigated?
Of the people interviewed by investigators, 77% reported eating ceviche, 76% reported eating raw or undercooked shellfish, and 47% reported eating raw or undercooked conchas negras (black clams). Investigators identified imported frozen clams as the likely source of infection. The FDA recalled La Serranita brand concha negra shell meat products imported from Ecuador in April 2026 — distributed to restaurants and retailers in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, and Pennsylvania — and products may have been further distributed. Case patients range in age from 6 to 40 years old.
What Should You Do?
Do not eat La Serranita brand concha negra (black clam) shell meat or any unverified imported frozen clam products. If you have eaten raw or undercooked clams, ceviche, or other raw shellfish in recent months and develop symptoms of hepatitis A — including fatigue, nausea, stomach pain, dark urine, or yellowing of the skin or eyes — contact your healthcare provider immediately and mention possible hepatitis A exposure. If you have a known recent exposure and have not been vaccinated, a hepatitis A vaccine or immune globulin given within two weeks of exposure can prevent illness. Contact the CDC at cdc.gov or call 800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636) for more information.
