The Foreign Office-backed Travel Health Pro site has issued a harsh warning to Brits who are planning to visit Prague, one of the UK's most beloved holiday destinations.
The Czech capital, popular with Stag and Hen parties, is currently experiencing a surge in cases of hepatitis A.
Travel Health Pro, an official British government outlet run by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has confirmed 450 cases of hepatitis A in the Czech Republic as of May 5, 2025, with six deaths revealed.
This figure has increased significantly since 2024 when 636 cases were reported per year, leading to two deaths. Central Bohemia, Moravia – Silesia, Prague is the region with the most cases ever in 2025.
The Czech Ministry of Health states, “The disease, also known as infectious yellowund, is spreading not only among children, but also among adolescents and young adults, especially among people who take risky behaviors among drug addicts and homeless people.
Mad. Barbora McCova, MHA, Chief Hygienist and Director of Suzoo issued an alarm over a dramatic rise in cases of hepatitis A, saying, “If we compare the overall figures last year with just four months this year, we see a sharp increase in cases.
“The Central Bohemia region – 87, Moravia – Silesia – 83, Prague – 73 report most cases. The number of individuals vulnerable to the population is gradually increasing.
She added, “Therefore, contact with infected people or objects is more likely to be infected. In addition to the child population, spreading of HAV is recorded in the population of adolescents and young adults, especially those with risky behavior among drug addicts and homeless people.”
Dr. Mackova also highlighted the challenges involved in the development. “Transmission of infection occurs primarily as a result of poor hygiene, with increased long incubation periods, often asymptomatic courses and increased violations of prescribed antilipid measurements and basic hygiene.
Officials warn that the course of the illness in adults is more severe than in children, usually present without symptoms and spreads easily. They noted that about 10% of patients may experience the complex disease process and recovery can last for several months.
In rare cases, rapid progression can lead to liver failure and death. Mortality is generally low at 0.1-0.3%, but this can increase to 1.8% in individuals over 50 or individuals with pre-existing chronic liver conditions.
Czech health authorities are issuing guidance to vacationers to prevent illness. Mudr, deputy director of the Department of Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases, Szú. Cathegina Fabianova, Ph. D advised: “We recommend that you avoid consuming raw salads and vegetables, especially for travelers. Ice cream, raw or half-flowered seafood and oysters are particularly dangerous.
She added: “We do not recommend using water from public taps, especially in countries with low hygiene standards, even for brushing your teeth. It's good to follow the basic World Health Organization rules for preparing food in exotic countries.
Hepatitis A is primarily asymptomatic in children and infectious people during incubation, so health officials are concerned that it could be affected even more.
What is the timescale for the symptoms?
Professor Fabianova explained: “The period of incubation for viral hepatitis, that is, the time between the infection in a person and the onset of symptoms of the disease is 14-50 days, most often 30 days. Illness.
“The spread of HAVs is mostly through the stool of an infected person, including both direct communication from person to person, through, for example, dirty hands, contaminated water or food or contaminated objects.
Certain travelers are at a higher risk of acquiring hepatitis A, including:
People staying or visiting with local residents. Frequency and/or long-term residents to areas where hygiene and food hygiene are likely to be poor. A man with an existing medical condition with pre-existing medical conditions such as liver disease or hematologic inflammation.
Prevention
The most common mode of infection among travelers is the consumption of contaminated food and water. The risk of acquiring hepatitis A can be reduced by ensuring excellent personal hygiene and following advice on food and waterborne disease prevention.
For more information about hepatitis A, see Travel Health Pro.
