Initial Actions: Virus transmission occurs at the German border
In the heart of Europe, a notable Hepatitis A outbreak has been unfolding since the beginning of 2025, particularly in Austria, Czechia, Hungary, and Slovakia. According to a rapid risk assessment by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), over 2,097 cases have been reported across these four countries between January and May.
Slovakia has been hit hardest, with approximately 880 cases and an ongoing active outbreak since 2022. Czechia follows closely, reporting about 600 cases and six deaths, with the highest concentrations of new cases in Prague, Central Bohemia, and the Moravian-Silesian regions. The 2025 cases in Czechia have already surpassed the total number of cases from the previous year.
Hungary has reported around 530 cases, while Austria has about 87 cases during this period. The outbreaks primarily affect populations with limited access to hygiene and healthcare, including the homeless, drug users, and some members of the Roma communities in Czechia and Slovakia.
The virus, primarily transmitted through contaminated food, water, or close personal contact, can survive on hands and surfaces for extended periods. Up to 90% of infected people may be asymptomatic, complicating control efforts. Genetic analyses have identified that many infections involve the HAV subgenotype IB strain circulating within specific groups in Hungary, Austria, Slovakia, and Czechia, indicating sustained transmission chains.
The ECDC and health authorities strongly recommend increased vaccination efforts, including targeted pre-exposure vaccination for at-risk populations and post-exposure prophylaxis for close contacts to curb the outbreak. Vaccination is given in two doses and is especially advised for travelers to affected regions.
For those planning travel to these areas, it is crucial to avoid drinking tap water, to avoid raw food, and to wash hands thoroughly regularly. Ideally, the vaccination should take place four weeks before departure, but even a late vaccination can provide initial protection. Travelers can find current recommendations and vaccination centers on travel medicine information portals.
While the outbreak primarily affects vulnerable populations, it is not limited to travelers. The virus has not yet caused a significant outbreak in the unspecified country, with only three registered cases as of 2025. However, the risk of infection is particularly high at rest areas or in simple accommodations during travel.
Despite the ongoing vacation season, with planes, highways, and hotels being busy, a silent health threat is looming over the continent, particularly in Central Europe. The current situation requires heightened awareness, vaccination, and improved hygiene to protect vulnerable populations and travelers. The virus has caused concern at the German border, highlighting the need for coordinated efforts to control the outbreak.
- To combat the ongoing Hepatitis A outbreak in Central Europe, health and wellness advocates suggest heightened awareness about medical-conditions, including the importance of vaccination for at-risk populations and travelers seeking health-and-lifestyle advice.
- For those planning travel to affected regions, it's essential to follow travel guidelines that emphasize regular handwashing, avoiding raw food and drinking tap water, and finding vaccination centers on travel medicine information portals.
- While the virus has primarily impacted vulnerable populations, the ECDC and health authorities warn that the virus can also pose a risk during travel, particularly at rest areas or simple accommodations, call for increased surveillance and coordinated efforts across Europe to control the outbreak.
