Holidaymakers planning trips to Europe, especially the Czech Republic, have been warned about a significant outbreak of hepatitis A, a serious infectious disease transmitted via contaminated food and water.
The virus, also known as infectious jaundice, spreads through the faecal-oral route, meaning infection occurs when individuals ingest food or water tainted by the faeces of someone infected. This mode of transmission can result in severe liver inflammation and, in rare cases, fatal outcomes.
According to the UK government’s official travel health advisory website, Travel Health Pro, the recent surge in hepatitis A cases across parts of Europe demands urgent attention from travellers. This alert follows reports from the Czech Health Ministry, which has confirmed hundreds of new infections, primarily concentrated in the capital Prague and the Central Bohemia and Moravia-Silesia regions.
Surge in Hepatitis A Cases in the Czech Republic
The Czech Republic has reported a sharp rise in hepatitis A infections in 2024, with 450 confirmed cases and six fatalities as of May 5, surpassing last year’s total of 636 cases and two deaths for the entire year. This increase signals an alarming public health issue affecting a broad demographic including children, adolescents, young adults, as well as vulnerable populations such as drug users and homeless individuals.
Dr. Andrea Macková, the country’s chief hygienist and head of the National Public Health Institute, emphasized the significant spike in infections, stating:
“When we compare the figures for the whole of last year and just the first four months of this year, it is clear that the increase in hepatitis A cases is sharp and widespread across many regions.”
The main driver of this outbreak is substandard hygiene practices, which facilitate the virus’s transmission. The Czech Health Ministry has underscored the importance of vaccination prior to travel and reinforced strict hygiene measures as critical steps to control the spread.
How Hepatitis A Spreads and Its Symptoms
Hepatitis A is a viral infection that primarily affects the liver. It is transmitted through ingestion of the hepatitis A virus, which is shed in the feces of infected individuals. The faecal-oral route is the principal pathway — this typically occurs through consumption of contaminated food or water, or close personal contact in environments where hygiene is poor.
Symptoms of hepatitis A can vary widely. In children, the infection often causes no symptoms or very mild illness. Adults may develop symptoms after an incubation period of 14 to 50 days, typically around 30 days. Common symptoms include:
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
- Dark urine
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Severe itching
In some cases, the disease can lead to acute liver failure, which can be fatal, especially in older adults or those with pre-existing liver conditions.
Official UK Advice and Vaccination Recommendations
In the UK, hepatitis A vaccination is not routinely administered due to low domestic transmission risk. However, NHS England advises vaccination for travellers heading to regions where the virus is endemic or where outbreaks occur — including parts of Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Central and South America, and increasingly, parts of Europe like the Czech Republic.
Travel Health Pro, an official UK government travel health information service, currently advises travellers to the Czech Republic and surrounding European countries to take precautions seriously:
- Consider vaccination well before travel
- Practice excellent hand hygiene — washing hands thoroughly with soap and water after using the toilet and before eating
- Avoid eating raw salads, unpeeled fruits, and vegetables
- Avoid ice cubes, untreated water, raw or undercooked seafood (especially oysters), and street food that may have been prepared in unhygienic conditions
Dr. Kateřina Fabiánová, an infectious disease expert at the Czech public health authority, warns:
“It is recommended to avoid raw or semi-raw seafood, unpeeled fruits and vegetables, ice in drinks, and foods that may be undercooked or contaminated. Such practices help reduce the risk of infection.”
Groups at Higher Risk
Certain populations are considered at greater risk for hepatitis A infection, particularly while travelling. These include:
- People travelling to endemic or outbreak regions
- Those staying with local residents or in communal living situations
- Men who have sex with men (MSM)
- Individuals with chronic liver diseases or weakened immune systems
The long incubation period and frequently asymptomatic course in children and some adults increase the risk of unknowingly spreading the virus, amplifying the outbreak potential.
Public Health Measures and Ongoing Monitoring
The Czech government, along with European health authorities such as the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), is actively monitoring the outbreak and working to contain its spread through enhanced hygiene campaigns, vaccination drives, and public awareness.
Travel Health Pro advises all travellers to check the latest government travel advisories before their journey and to remain vigilant regarding food and water hygiene. The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) also provides updated health and safety advice for travellers.
The Importance of Vaccination and Preventive Hygiene
Vaccination remains the most effective method to prevent hepatitis A. The hepatitis A vaccine, widely available in the UK, provides long-lasting immunity after a two-dose course. Public health bodies recommend getting vaccinated 4 to 6 weeks before travel to ensure adequate protection.
In addition to vaccination, travellers are urged to:
- Wash hands frequently and thoroughly, especially after toilet use and before meals
- Drink bottled or boiled water where safe water supplies are questionable
- Eat foods that are thoroughly cooked and served hot
- Avoid street food vendors where hygiene standards are unclear
- Be cautious with fresh produce and avoid items that cannot be peeled or cleaned thoroughly
Historical Context and UK Statistics
While hepatitis A is uncommon in the UK due to high hygiene standards and widespread sanitation infrastructure, the virus remains a global concern. Between 2005 and 2021, hepatitis A was responsible for 42 deaths in the UK, underscoring the potential severity of infection.
The UK government’s NHS website and Public Health England stress that the risk of hepatitis A remains low domestically but is notably higher in certain international regions. Travellers are encouraged to consult healthcare providers for advice on vaccinations tailored to their destinations.
Final Travel Health Recommendations
With international travel resuming post-pandemic, vigilance against infectious diseases like hepatitis A is more important than ever. UK travellers to Europe, particularly the Czech Republic, should:
- Consult their GP or travel clinic regarding vaccination
- Follow official food safety and hygiene guidance
- Stay informed through trusted government health websites such as Travel Health Pro, NHS, and Foreign Office Travel Advice
Taking these precautions can help ensure a safe, healthy trip and prevent further spread of hepatitis A across Europe and beyond.
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