Hepatitis A is spreading rapidly in Prague. In the capital alone, more than 800 infections and ten deaths have already been reported. The authorities are responding with enhanced hygiene measures and appeals to the public.
In Prague, the number of Hepatitis A infections continues to increase. According to the Prague Hygiene Station, a total of 826 cases have been recorded (as of 13 October) – 147 of them in children. Ten infected individuals have already died. Across the entire country, the authorities have recorded 2,003 cases and 24 deaths, whereas in the whole of last year only 636 infections and two deaths were reported.
Epidemiologists are warning of a further spread of the virus and advise: “To destroy Hepatitis A viruses, warm water and simple liquid soap are sufficient,” said Kateřina Fabiánová from the National Institute of Public Health on the occasion of International Handwashing Day, speaking to news channel ČT24. The crucial factor, she explained, is the correct duration of handwashing – at least ten to twenty seconds – and ideally disinfecting afterwards.
Authorities are calling on the public to pay particular attention to thorough hand hygiene. In addition, vaccination is strongly recommended as the most effective protection against the virus. The City of Prague is launching a broad information campaign: posters in public spaces, messages on social media, and informational leaflets are to raise awareness of the importance of hygiene and vaccination. The message is also being visibly displayed in municipal administration buildings.
Protective measures have also been strengthened in public transport. Vehicles of the Prague Public Transit Company have been cleaned for over a month now using higher concentrations of cleaning and disinfecting agents – similar to measures taken during the COVID-19 pandemic. Particularly busy metro stations are being additionally cleaned to reduce the risk of further spread.
