The Czech Republic is currently experiencing its largest outbreak of Hepatitis A since 1989. Prague and the Karlovy Vary region are particularly affected.
Since the beginning of the year, the Czech Republic has seen a massive increase in Hepatitis A cases – the highest since the political transition of 1989. The situation remains tense in Prague, where eleven people have already died as a result of the infectious disease.
In western Bohemia, especially in the Karlovy Vary district, the disease is also spreading significantly. According to the regional hygiene authority, 121 infections have already been recorded there since the start of the year. The infection ward at the district hospital in Karlovy Vary is almost fully occupied – 18 of the 20 beds are currently in use, reports the news portal novinky.cz. The Sokolov district is the most affected, currently showing the highest infection rate per capita in the country.
In response to the rapid increase in cases, the region has launched an awareness campaign. In addition to thorough hygiene, vaccination is considered the most effective protection against this highly contagious disease.
Prague Particularly Hard Hit
Since the start of the year, the capital has reported more than a thousand infections – nearly half of all cases in the country. Protective measures have been strengthened in public transport. Vehicles operated by Prague’s transport company are now being treated with higher concentrations of cleaning and disinfectant agents, similar to measures taken during the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to the State Health Institute (SZÚ), more than 2,300 Hepatitis A cases had been confirmed in the Czech Republic by the end of October – the highest number since the political transition. Twenty-eight people have already died from the disease.
As the virus is primarily transmitted through poor hand hygiene, authorities and doctors are urging the public to exercise increased caution. Regular handwashing with water and soap remains the simplest and most important form of protection. The crucial factor is washing for the correct duration – at least ten to twenty seconds – and ideally following up with disinfectant.
The Most Common Symptoms of Hepatitis A
The symptoms of Hepatitis A initially resemble those of the flu: fever, loss of appetite, nausea, and pain in the upper right abdomen. As the disease progresses, it can cause yellowing of the skin and eyes, dark urine, pale stools, and sometimes severe itching – typical signs of liver inflammation.
