A Sip of Water Turns Faces Yellow and Stops Livers... Eastern Europe on Alert as Hepatitis A Spreads

Sharp Rise in Hepatitis A Cases Centered in Prague, Czech Republic
928 Confirmed Cases, 10 Deaths
"The Foundation of Prevention is Personal Hygiene"

Health authorities in the Czech Republic, a popular tourist destination in Europe, are on high alert as hepatitis A is spreading rapidly. The number of infections in the Czech capital, Prague, has surpassed 900, and the death toll has reached 10. Local authorities are recommending vaccination and adherence to hygiene guidelines.

Old Town Square, Prague, Czech Republic. Photo is not related to the specific content of the article. Czech Tourism Organization

According to a recent report by the British media outlet The Sun, as of July 21, there have been 928 confirmed cases of hepatitis A and 10 deaths in the Czech Republic. This is about double the number reported in May, which was 450 cases, and it far exceeds the total number of infections recorded last year (636 cases).

Neighboring countries such as Austria, Hungary, and Slovakia have also reported that the incidence of hepatitis A this year is "higher than expected." According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), there have been a total of 2,097 cases of hepatitis A reported in these four countries between January and May this year.

The ECDC stated that the current outbreak is mainly occurring among unvaccinated adults, particularly among people experiencing homelessness, drug users, and those living in poor sanitary conditions.

As hepatitis A spreads rapidly in Prague and other areas, Czech health authorities are urging people to get vaccinated. The Czech health authorities emphasized, "The foundation of prevention is thorough hygiene, and vaccination is also available."

Hepatitis A is transmitted through contaminated food or water. It can also spread easily through close contact with an infected person or by touching objects contaminated with the virus. Moreover, many infected individuals show no symptoms, which can accelerate the spread of the disease.

Exposure to the hepatitis A virus causes inflammation, weakening the body's detoxification function, and the accumulation of a substance called bilirubin can lead to jaundice. Early symptoms include fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain, fever, and loss of appetite. Later, the skin and whites of the eyes may turn yellow, urine may darken, and itching may occur. In severe cases, it can result in complete liver failure, which can be fatal.

Jerry Beals, a nurse from Massachusetts, United States, pointed out, "Many travelers mistakenly believe that vaccination is unnecessary in high-income countries like those in Europe. However, with the recent surge of hepatitis A in tourist destinations such as Prague, this is no longer the case." Nurse Beals added, "Even a single dose of the vaccine administered several weeks before travel provides strong protection, and completing the second dose six months later offers lifelong immunity."

In addition to vaccination, practicing personal hygiene is crucial to avoid hepatitis A. It is especially important to wash hands with soap after using the restroom and before eating. Raw vegetables, fruits eaten with the skin, ice, and uncooked seafood should be avoided. Street food should also be avoided if the preparation environment is not hygienic. Vaccination is also recommended for those who have recently been in contact with hepatitis A patients or who have liver disease or bleeding disorders.