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Key Points

The Czech Republic is facing its worst hepatitis A outbreak in 15 years, with over 1,000 cases reported so far. Prague and Central Bohemia are the most affected regions, driven by poor hygiene and close-contact transmission. Health officials are prioritizing vaccinations for high-risk groups like the homeless and drug users. The ECDC has noted similar spikes in neighboring countries like Slovakia and Hungary.

Key Points: Czech Republic Sees 15-Year High in Hepatitis A Cases

  • Hepatitis A cases surge 6x compared to last year
  • Prague reports highest infections at 370 cases
  • ECDC warns of rising cases in Central Europe
  • Vaccinations target homeless and high-risk groups
2 min read

Czech Republic reports sharp rise in hepatitis-A cases

Over 1,000 hepatitis A cases reported in Czech Republic this year, with Prague and Central Bohemia hardest hit. Experts warn of poor hygiene risks.

"It is necessary to adhere to consistent hand hygiene – Barbora Mackova, SZU Director"

Prague, Aug 12

The Czech Republic has reported its highest number of hepatitis-A cases in the past 15 years, according to the National Institute of Public Health (SZU).

From January to the end of July this year, 1,053 cases were recorded, compared with only 168 in the same period last year. The number eventually rose to 636 cases for the whole of 2024.

This year, the highest numbers of cases have been reported in Prague (370), the Central Bohemian Region (181), and the Moravian-Silesian Region (113).

Hepatitis A is a viral liver disease spreading mainly through contaminated water, food, or direct contact with an infected person.

The infection, also known as infectious jaundice, is affecting not only children but also teenagers, young adults, and people with high-risk behaviours -- particularly drug users and the homeless. It is most commonly transmitted due to poor hygiene conditions and close contact in groups, according to the SZU.

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has also warned of an increase in the transmission of the infection in Central Europe, with similar developments observed in Slovakia, Austria, and Hungary.

Commenting on the ECDC assessment, SZU Director Barbora Mackova said in June that the situation in the Czech Republic is not dramatic, but it should not be underestimated.

"It is necessary to adhere to consistent hand hygiene, regional hygiene stations are implementing targeted anti-epidemic measures, especially in areas with a higher risk of infection, such as excluded localities, communities of homeless people or drug addicts," she said.

Currently, targeted vaccinations are being carried out for homeless people and other high-risk groups, including those who have contact with infected individuals. Experts also recommend vaccination for wider population groups, Xinhua news agency reported.

Hepatitis A is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus. It's usually a short-term illness, but in rare cases, it can lead to liver failure and death, particularly in older adults or those with pre-existing health conditions. The virus is primarily spread through contaminated food or water, or through close contact with an infected person.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
The Czech government's approach seems sensible - targeted vaccinations for high-risk groups. In India, we need more awareness about hepatitis vaccines. Many people don't realize how important they are until it's too late.
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Aman W
I visited Prague last year and was surprised by how clean everything was. If even they're facing this outbreak, it shows no country is immune. Basic hygiene like handwashing is so important everywhere!
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Shreya B
The article mentions contaminated water as a cause. This is why our Swachh Bharat mission is so crucial. We've made progress but still have work to do in ensuring clean water access across all regions.
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Vikram M
While the situation is serious, I appreciate how transparent the Czech authorities are being with their data. In India, we often get delayed or incomplete health statistics which makes disease control harder.
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Kavya N
The focus on homeless populations is important. In our cities too, we need better healthcare access for vulnerable groups. Everyone deserves protection from preventable diseases 🙏
D
David E
Interesting to see this happening in Europe. In India, we've had hepatitis vaccination programs for years. Maybe our experience could help other countries dealing with outbreaks.

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