HEPATITIS-A CASES SURGE IN CZECH REPUBLIC TO 15-YEAR HIGH

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN DE MODE

Article Published on: 12TH AUG 2025 | www.demodemagazine.com

The Czech Republic is facing one of its worst hepatitis-A outbreaks in 15 years, with the National Institute of Public Health (SZU) reporting 1,053 cases between January and July 2025. This marks a sharp rise compared to 636 cases recorded in all of 2024. The worst-hit regions include Prague (370 cases), the Central Bohemian Region (181), and the Moravian-Silesian Region (113).

Hepatitis-A, caused by the Hepatitis A Virus (HAV), is a contagious liver infection spread through ingestion of food or water contaminated by feces from an infected person. While it does not cause chronic liver disease like hepatitis B or C, it can trigger severe illness or, in rare cases, acute liver failure. According to WHO, poor sanitation, unsafe water, close contact with infected individuals, recreational drug use, and unprotected sex are major risk factors. Vaccination remains a key preventive measure, especially when traveling to high-risk areas.