Czech Republic Hepatitis A Outbreak Claims Six Lives

In 2025, the State Institute of Public Health (SZÚ) reported a rise in cases of infectious jaundice across the Czech Republic (Czechia). By the end of April, 450 reported cases of viral hepatitis A had been reported.

Tragically, six patients had died due to hepatitis A, a vaccine-preventable disease.

Czech health officials informed the media on May 13, 2025, that the actual number of infections is likely much higher because it is difficult to track the spread of the virus, which causes liver inflammation that can be fatal in rare cases.

In comparison, the SZÚ recorded 636 cases and two related deaths in 2024.

This year, Hepatitis A affects regions across the Czech Republic. The regions of Central Bohemia – 87, Moravia-Silesia – 83, and Prague – 73 report the most cases. 

"In Prague, almost 1/3 of the disease is reported in homeless people," stated SZU.

In 2025, the spread of hepatitis A impacted other European countries, such as Slovakia, Hungary, Ireland, and the United Kingdom.

Effective Hepatitis A vaccines are available in the Czech Republic, as in the United States.

Basic protection is achieved after a single injection. A second dose is required to obtain long-term protection, which is given 6-18 months after the first dose.