In the Czech Republic, health authorities have issued a hygiene alert due to a severe hepatitis A outbreak. Popular tourist destinations Prague and Karlovy Vary as well as the Central Bohemia region were the most affected. But there is also a warning for the border region with Germany and the popular ski resort Boží Dar (German: Gottesgab). Cross-border commuters and tourists are also at risk there.
Great hepatitis outbreak in the Czech Republic – 78 percent of those affected ended up in hospital
The Boží Dar ski resort reacted to the ongoing spread of hepatitis A in the country. The Czech Republic has recorded 2,375 cases of viral liver inflammation this year, which mainly occurs through fecal-oral transmission – for example through contaminated surfaces or direct contact. Urban centers such as Prague are the most affected areas, with 1,010 cases of infection.
This disease is especially dangerous for vulnerable groups: children aged between five and nine years account for 185 sufferers. 78 percent of those who got sick had to be hospitalized. A total of 28 deaths have been reported. “The press release from the Czech Republic refers to smear infections originating from people living without a fixed address or in poor hygienic conditions or who are taking medications,” the Saxon Ministry of Health told “Bild”. “The spread throughout the population in the Czech Republic is most likely due to low vaccination rates in the population there.”
The RKI recommends vaccination against hepatitis A
Local authorities in Boží Dar, on the Czech border near Oberwiesenthal, advised all tourists, including day visitors, to be extra careful: avoid direct contact with door handles, shopping carts or toilet facilities, and disinfect hands regularly. In Prague, additional disinfectant dispensers have been installed on public transport and cleaning intervals have been tightened.
