In 1996, 15% of reported hepatitis A cases in Italy originated in Campania, with the highest incidence reported in Naples. The consumption of raw or undercooked shellfish is responsible for 70% of hepatitis A cases reported in Italy in recent years, and several recent hepatitis A outbreaks are linked to this consumption. This article presents the results of a telephone survey conducted in 1997 among households in Naples to determine the frequency of shellfish consumption, cooking methods, sales conditions, and the level of knowledge regarding hepatitis A and its transmission. The survey results confirmed that shellfish consumption is widespread in Naples and suggest that raw seafood is consumed more often than expected. Even cooked shellfish were often not cooked sufficiently to inactivate the hepatitis A virus. (R.A.)