The CDC and FDA are continuing to investigate an outbreak of hepatitis A infections linked to imported black clams.
The Food and Drug Administration has posted a warning about La Serranita-brand concha negra (black shell) fresh frozen shell meat from Ecuador in 16-ounce plastic packages.
As of Sept. 17, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention was reporting 37 people had been infected. Illness onset ranges from July 30, 2025, through June 23, 2026. Of 37 patients, 30 have required hospitalization.
State and local public health officials interviewed people about the foods they ate in the 15 to 50 days before they got sick. Of the people interviewed, 77 percent reported eating ceviche (raw fish or shellfish marinated in citrus juice), 76 percent reported eating raw or undercooked shellfish, and 47 percent reported eating raw or undercooked conchas negras (black clams). This suggests that people in this outbreak may have gotten sick from eating raw or undercooked clams, according to the CDC.
The FDA is advising restaurants and food retailers not to serve or sell and consumers not to eat La Serranita-brand concha negra (black shell) fresh frozen shell meat from Ecuador because it may be contaminated with hepatitis A virus.
La Serranita-brand concha negra (black shell) shell meat was distributed to restaurants and retailers in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, and Pennsylvania and may have been further distributed. Restaurants and retailers should dispose of these products by throwing them away or contacting their distributor to arrange for destruction.
About hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is a highly contagious, vaccine-preventable, liver infection caused by the Hepatitis A Virus (HAV). Food contaminated with hepatitis A does not look, smell or taste bad. Freezing does not kill the virus.
Not everyone with hepatitis A has symptoms. Adults are more likely to have symptoms than children. If symptoms develop, they usually appear two to seven weeks, at an average of 28-30 days, after infection. Symptoms usually last less than two months, although some people can be ill for as long as six months.
If symptoms develop, they can include yellow skin or eyes, not wanting to eat, upset stomach throwing up, stomach pain, fever, dark urine or light-colored stools, diarrhea, joint pain, feeling tired.
Even if no symptoms are present people can still spread the infection. In addition, a person can transmit hepatitis A to others up to two weeks before symptoms appear.
