Only a few years ago, many public events were still marked by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, with regulations to be observed even during the Christmas season.
Now, alarming news from the Czech Republic is stirring memories of that time. The country is currently experiencing a wave of hepatitis A infections. According to the Foreign Office, infection numbers have been rising since the beginning of the year. Many media outlets reported on the issue as early as November. The figures continue to climb.
As reported by the Tagesschau, nearly 3,000 infections had been recorded by early December, with 32 deaths. In November, the numbers stood at around 2,400 infections and 28 fatalities. By contrast, only 676 people fell ill last year, with two deaths.
Hepatitis A surge in Czech Republic - Christmas markets as hotspots
Initially, the wave of infections spread among homeless people and drug addicts. However, it has now "long since reached the general population," stated Kateřina Fabiánová, an epidemiologist at the State Health Office, to Tagesschau. According to Fabiánová, the peak of infection numbers has not yet been reached. Milan Kubek, president of the Czech Medical Chamber, described it as the largest epidemic since 1979.
Among the most affected areas are the capital, Prague, as well as the Central Bohemia and Karlovy Vary regions, which are popular with tourists from Germany. Additionally, numerous Christmas markets are currently taking place. Experts consider these events high-risk venues.
Hepatitis A is transmitted through smear infections. For this reason, unwashed hands, contaminated surfaces, or food are potential carriers - items abundantly found at Christmas markets.
Hepatitis surge in the Czech Republic: How can you protect yourself?
Hepatitis A, also known as jaundice, is caused by a single-stranded RNA virus from the Picornaviridae family (genus Hepatovirus), according to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI). Those affected can recognize the infection through the yellowish discoloration of the skin and eyes. Additionally, stool may become light-colored and urine dark. Fever, abdominal pain, and itching of the hands and feet are also signs of the infection. An enlarged liver can cause a feeling of pressure or pain in the upper abdomen, and about 25 percent of patients also experience an enlarged spleen.
Hepatitis A is generally considered the mildest form of hepatitis and often resolves without further complications. However, if a person with weakened immunity or a pre-existing condition becomes infected, severe courses of the illness are possible.
In Germany, the vaccination against Hepatitis A is recommended only for at-risk individuals, according to the RKI. The Foreign Office advises travelers to the Czech Republic to get vaccinated against the infectious disease.
In the Czech Republic itself, there is currently not enough vaccine available, the news program Tagesschau reports. Supplies are therefore to be reserved primarily for people who have been in contact with infected individuals. The Ministry of Health is currently attempting to procure vaccine doses from abroad.
An epidemic is unlikely due to the required direct contact for transmission, explained infectious disease specialist Christoph Spinner from the Munich Klinikum Rechts der Isar in an interview with Bayerischer Rundfunk (BR). In Germany, seven cases of hepatitis A were reported in Bavaria during the November weeks, but the number has since declined. In Saxony, which borders the Czech Republic, no noticeable increase in infections has been reported either.
Meanwhile, the Federal Foreign Office advises paying attention to "basic hygiene measures, especially thorough hand hygiene." Kubek also agrees: "The best protection is clean hands."