Deadly Hepatitis A Outbreak Hits Four European Countries, Prompting Travel Warnings
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Jun 24, 2025 4 hours, 13 minutes ago
Medical News: Thousands infected and several dead as liver virus spreads through popular tourist spots
A dangerous outbreak of hepatitis A has erupted in four popular European travel destinations—Austria, Czechia, Hungary, and Slovakia—prompting urgent health warnings from authorities. This
Medical News report brings attention to a growing health threat that travelers need to be aware of, especially as vacation season begins.
Deadly Hepatitis A Outbreak Hits Four European Countries, Prompting Travel Warnings
The European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has confirmed that between January and May 2025, more than 2,000 people have been infected with the hepatitis A virus across these countries. Tragically, nine people have died from complications related to the infection.
https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/news-events/ecdc-releases-risk-assessment-actions-needed-address-spike-hepatitis-cases
What Is Hepatitis A and How Does It Spread?
Hepatitis A is a serious liver infection caused by a highly contagious virus. According to the Mayo Clinic, the virus spreads mainly through what doctors call the "fecal-oral route." This means that the virus is passed on when tiny amounts of stool from an infected person make their way into someone else's mouth. This often happens when food is prepared by someone who didn't wash their hands properly after using the bathroom.
The virus can also be spread through contaminated water and by eating raw shellfish that comes from dirty or polluted water sources. Even worse, hepatitis A is a tough virus. It can survive on surfaces for months, making it very easy to catch in crowded places like resorts, restaurants, or public restrooms.
Where Is the Virus Spreading the Most?
Slovakia, known for its scenic lakeside resorts, has seen the most infections so far this year with 880 reported cases. Hungary has recorded 530 cases, mostly among adults, while Austria has reported 87 cases but also three deaths. The worst impact, however, has been in Czechia, where six people have died from the virus and many of the infected are young children.
Although Germany is not officially part of the outbreak, a few cases there have matched the virus strain found in Austria and Hungary, suggesting possible cross-border transmission.
The ECDC says the virus is not spreading randomly. Instead, it’s mostly being passed from person to person within tight-knit communities or areas where people live close together. The highest risk groups include people living in poor sanitary conditions, those who use injected drugs, and the homeless.
What Are the Symptoms?
Not everyone who gets hepatitis A will show symptoms, and they may take a few weeks to appear. But when they do, they can be se
vere. Some of the key symptoms include:
-Yellowing of the skin and eyes (called jaundice)
-Pain in the upper right side of the belly, near the liver
-Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
-Dark-colored urine
-Fever and extreme tiredness
These symptoms can last for weeks and, in rare cases, lead to life-threatening liver failure—especially in older adults or people with pre-existing health issues.
What Should Travelers Do?
Health authorities are urging travelers to be cautious, especially if they are heading to the affected regions. The director of the Czech Republic’s State Health Institute, Dr. Barbora Macková, recommends that people get vaccinated against hepatitis A before traveling, especially during the upcoming summer holidays.
The hepatitis A vaccine is effective and can even help prevent illness if taken within two weeks after possible exposure. Travelers should also be extra mindful of hygiene—always wash hands thoroughly with soap and clean water, avoid raw or undercooked shellfish, and be cautious when eating street food or meals from unknown sources.
Even though the situation is being monitored closely, the number of new cases continues to rise. Travelers, especially families with young children or those with health issues, should take all necessary precautions to stay safe.
Hepatitis A may seem like just another virus, but this outbreak shows how serious and deadly it can be if ignored. The best protection is prevention through vaccination and good hygiene practices. Travelers should stay informed and act early to avoid becoming part of these worrying statistics.
For the latest on the Hepatitis A Outbreak in Europe, keep on logging to Thailand
Medical News.
Read Also:
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/officials-from-ireland-and-elsewhere-are-warning-tourists-to-avoid-five-european-countries-due-to-measles-threat
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/u-s-cdc-claims-covid-19-infections-are-not-rising-but-can-we-really-trust-the-numbers
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/covid-19-surges-in-spain-with-positivity-rates-at-14-8-percent-and-lethality-rates-for-hospitalized-patients-at-7-6-percent
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