In response to 2,597 reported cases of Hepatitis A, Poland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has warned tourists to avoid traveling to the Czech Republic.
State Institute Reports Over 2,500 Hepatitis A Cases
The State Institute of Public Health in the Czech Republic (SZU) announced 2,597 cases of Hepatitis A this year, with 1,108 infections recorded in Prague alone. In October, eight patients died from the virus, bringing the annual death toll to 29. Across the year, 636 total cases have been detected.
Polish Foreign Ministry Advises Tourists to Avoid Czech Travel
According to the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Polish Embassy in Prague, travelers should refrain from visiting Czech Republic due to the rising number of Hepatitis A cases. The embassy noted the highest incidence in Prague and the Czech Middle Bohemia and Moravia–Silesia regions.
Understanding Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A, commonly called “foodborne jaundice”, can be asymptomatic in children but often causes flu‑like symptoms—including fever, nausea, bloating, and early fullness—in adults. Treatment is purely symptomatic.
Historical Context for Poland
Until 1978, Poland had high endemic levels of Hepatitis A with annual cases averaging 50–58 000. Gradual improvements led to classification as a low‑endemic country by 1997. Prevention remains focused on personal hygiene, safe drinking water, food pasteurization, and vaccination.
Additional Czech Context
Further details about Czech events can be found in articles covering related incidents in the Czech capital.
