Hepatitis A outbreak infects over 2,000 travelers in Europe

Between January and May 2025, four European countries—Austria, Czechia, Hungary, and Slovakia—experienced a significant increase in hepatitis A cases, with a total of 2,097 reported infections. Slovakia, facing an ongoing outbreak since 2022, accounted for the largest share with 880 cases. Hungary followed with 530 cases, while Austria noted 87 infections. Health agencies attribute the spread of hepatitis A to contaminated food and water, as well as close contact between individuals, highlighting the importance of vaccination for those who are unvaccinated or who have never been infected by the virus. The hepatitis A virus (HAV) is classified as an acute viral liver disease, which emphasizes its potential to cause serious illness, particularly in vulnerable populations. Groups most at risk include the homeless, those who use recreational drugs, and individuals living in unsanitary environments. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) categorized the risk of disease transmission as moderate among people under 40 years of age but indicated that the risk escalated to high for adults aged 40 and older. Additionally, those with pre-existing liver conditions face a potentially very high risk of severe outcomes from the disease. Symptoms of hepatitis A include dark urine, clay-colored stools, diarrhea, fever, fatigue, joint pain, and jaundice, which can significantly impact an individual’s health and quality of life. The ECDC has called for increased vaccination efforts targeting populations that are likely to be exposed to the virus and stressed the need for enhanced access to basic sanitation facilities and health care services. Citizens are urged to get vaccinated to secure immunity against hepatitis A for life after infection and required two doses spaced six to 12 months apart. Ole Heuer, the head of the ECDC's One Health Unit, highlighted the current outbreak as a reminder of the serious implications hepatitis A can have, especially among those with inadequate health care access and hygiene standards. He underscored the necessity for vaccination outreach, post-exposure prophylaxis for contacts, improved sanitation practices, and better education about the virus and its transmission in at-risk communities.