Health authorities in the Czech Republic have reported 320 cases of hepatitis A since the start of the year—already half of last year’s total—indicating a rapid spread of the virus.
In response, the National Institute of Health (NIH) is emphasizing the importance of strict hygiene practices, particularly frequent handwashing, with a special focus on protecting children.
“A decline in infections, combined with the lack of vaccination against this virus, has led to a growing percentage of people without protective antibodies, making them highly susceptible to the disease,” explained Kateřina Fabianová, deputy head of the Department of Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases at the NIH.
The outbreak has been notably rising in Prague, Olomouc, Moravia-Silesia, and Ústí nad Labem since March. The virus spreads through contact with contaminated objects, making young children, preschoolers, and young adults particularly vulnerable. Everyday surfaces such as shopping carts, food, public transportation handrails, and doorknobs can serve as transmission points.
Hepatitis A has a long incubation period of 15 to 50 days. Early symptoms mimic the flu, including fever, nausea, abdominal pain, and loss of appetite. As the disease progresses, patients may develop jaundice, darkened urine, and skin itching.
To curb the spread, health officials strongly recommend frequent handwashing and vaccination, especially for travelers. “The best preventive measure is vaccination, ideally at an early age, as full vaccination provides long-term protection,” said Barbora Maková, the chief hygienist.
Although the hepatitis A vaccine is not state-funded and costs up to 2,000 Czech koruna, it is available at 147 locations listed by the Ministry of Health.
Last year, 636 cases were recorded, with two fatalities. A similar outbreak occurred in the country between 2016 and 2017, raising concerns about another major wave of infections.
