While hepatitis A (HepA) infections occur in 150 million people annually, most European high-income countries now have low endemicity.
However, the Czech Republic, also known as Czechia, is confronted with a significant surge in Hepatitis HepA cases and fatalities.
As of July 21, 2025, Czechia health officials are reporting 928 Hep A subgenotype IB cases, including ten deaths this year.
This number, based on data from the State Health Institute, has increased by over 100% since April 2025 and already exceeds the total number of HepA cases recorded throughout the entire year of 2024, raising concerns among public health experts across Europe.
Czechia authorities are strongly recommending heightened attention to prevention strategies, particularly for those traveling abroad, where the risk of exposure may be elevated. Travelers are advised to exercise caution with food and water in exotic or high-risk countries.
According to 2024 reports, Prague was the most visited destination in Czechia, attracting about 1.2 million visitors.
Travelers are advised to follow the World Health Organization’s guideline: “Boil it, bake it, peel it, or leave it alone.”
Most health experts say this simple mantra can significantly reduce the risk of infections related to ingestion.
During 2025, Austria, Hungary, and Slovakia have also reported a higher-than-expected number of Hep A subgenotype IB cases.
To determine the severity of HepA disease in the past two decades in 11 European countries (Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom), a study was published in 2024.
Hospitalization rates varied between countries, with annual rates exceeding 50% in at least seven countries.
The lowest hospitalisation rates were reported for the Netherlands (≤ 32%) and the highest for Greece (≥ 81%).
Since Hep A is a vaccine-preventable disease, the U.S. CDC advises that unvaccinated travelers one year old or older traveling to Czechia should be vaccinated before departure abroad. Infants aged 6 to 11 months should also be vaccinated.
Additionally, unvaccinated travelers who are over 40 years old, are immunocompromised, or have chronic medical conditions planning to depart for a risk area in less than 2 weeks should receive the initial dose of vaccine and, at the same appointment, receive immune globulin. This provides adequate protection for up to 2 months, depending on the dosage given.
Furthermore, post-exposure prophylaxis is advised for close contacts of cases.
As of July 28, 2025, Hep A vaccines are offered at travel clinics and pharmacies in the United States.