The Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) Commissioner Manisha Juthani, M.D., issued the following statement urging Connecticut residents to be aware of a hepatitis A outbreak investigation in New York state linked to contaminated shellfish, and to take common-sense precautions when consuming raw or undercooked shellfish. There is regular testing for water quality, biotoxins, and pathogens. Shellfish growing areas are closed swiftly when concerns are identified, and shellfish harvested from Connecticut waters must meet strict federal and state safety standards before they ever reach your plate. Connecticut residents can have confidence in the integrity of our state's shellfish industry. An active hepatitis A outbreak investigation is being conducted by the New York State Department of Health and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. That investigation has been linked to fresh-frozen blood clams, also known as concha negra, imported from Ecuador and distributed within New York State. A limited number of Connecticut retailers received this same product. Our teams are working with local health officials to ensure the product is not served to consumers at establishments in Connecticut. There is currently no confirmed link between this outbreak and Connecticut-harvested shellfish. We are issuing this advisory out of an abundance of caution and a commitment to keeping our residents informed." @ https://portal.ct.gov/dph/newsroom/press-releases---2026/shellfish-consumption-warning?language=en_US
