Hepatitis A in the Czech Republic

In a follow-up on the hepatitis A outbreak in the Czech Republic, the State Health Institute (SZÚ) reports the disease is spreading widely, seeing numbers not seen in decades. Through September 2025, SZÚ has registered 1,776 cases of Hepatitis A, the highest number since 1996.

Since March 2025, the number of infections has been increasing steadily – in August 2025, 295 new cases were reported, and in September 2025 already 428. The capital city of Prague accounts for almost 40 percent of the total cases nationally.

The disease is related to poor hygiene. "It is the biggest problem in young children, in socially excluded communities, but also in homeless people, in hostels and the like," chief hygienist Barbora Macková said.

According to her, the disease often has no symptoms in children, but they can infect family or classmates. "Current data in the Czech Republic shows that it is also spreading in the population of adolescents and adults, in people with risky behavior, especially drug addicts, and in homeless people," she added. According to her, the higher number of deaths is related to the fact that this population often has chronic liver disease, which is a significant complication for the course of the disease.

In addition, health officials have reported 21 deaths related to Hepatitis A, five of them in September 2025 alone. Last year, just two deaths were reported.

“Most deaths occurred in people with risky behaviour and chronic liver disease,” explained Kateřina Fabiánová, Deputy Head of the Epidemiology Department at the SZÚ. “In these patients, the course of viral Hepatitis A can be severe or even fatal. The risk increases with age and is significantly higher in people with weakened immune systems or existing liver disease.”

Hepatitis A is best prevented with a safe and effective vaccine, but also by practicing good hand hygiene, especially after using a toilet, changing diapers, and before preparing or eating food. Travelers to countries where Hepatitis A is common should also be cautious about consuming food and water, opting for bottled or boiled water and well-cooked foods, and should peel their own fruit and vegetables.