Czechia has seen a significant increase in hepatitis A cases this year, with over 300 infections reported so far. Public health experts are concerned about potential wider outbreaks as travel season approaches, urging both vaccination and strict hygiene practices to prevent further spread.
By the end of March, 320 cases of hepatitis A were confirmed, continuing the rise from last year, when 636 cases were reported, including two deaths. Hepatitis A, also known as infectious jaundice or “dirty hands disease,” is spread primarily through poor hygiene and contaminated food or water.
Renata Ciupek from the South Moravian Regional Public Health Authority emphasized the growing risk, saying, “320 cases in the first quarter show that last year’s rapidly increasing trend has not stopped. With the upcoming travel season, especially for holidays, infection hotspots will present a higher risk of further spread.”
Historically, Czechia has seen a decline in hepatitis A cases due to improved sanitation. However, experts warn that declining natural immunity and low vaccination rates have left many people vulnerable, particularly children and young adults.
Kateřina Fabiánová, Deputy Head of Epidemiology at the Czech National Institute of Public Health, explained, “The declining incidence, combined with the absence of routine vaccination, has resulted in a growing number of people without protective antibodies who are highly susceptible to infection.”
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) reports that hepatitis A outbreaks are occurring in multiple countries worldwide, often in areas with poor sanitation. Czechia’s outbreaks primarily affect children, marginalized communities, and people living in poor conditions like hostels and homeless shelters. Foreign travel, especially to high-risk areas, is also a major factor in the spread of the virus.
Barbora Macková, Chief Public Health Officer of Czechia, stressed the importance of vaccination, particularly for people at higher risk, such as travelers to endemic areas, those with chronic liver conditions, and people in high-risk occupations or engaging in behaviors that facilitate virus transmission. “The best preventive measure is vaccination, ideally in childhood,” she said.
Vaccines are available for children over one year old and adults in Czechia, but they are not covered by the state except for certain professions, such as emergency responders. The cost of vaccination is up to 2,000 CZK (€80), though some health insurance providers offer partial reimbursement.
In addition to vaccination, public health campaigns are emphasizing the importance of basic hygiene practices, especially when traveling.
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