Hepatitis A outbreak infects over 2,000 travelers in Europe
2025-06-24 14:07- European countries have reported a total of 2,097 cases of hepatitis A between January and May 2025.
- Slovakia has reported the highest number of cases, with 880 infected individuals, while Hungary and Austria follow with 530 and 87 cases, respectively.
- Health officials are urging for increased vaccination efforts and sanitation measures to combat the outbreak.
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Insights
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.
Contexts
Hepatitis A is a viral infection that primarily affects the liver and can lead to symptoms ranging from mild flu-like illness to severe liver damage. The virus is commonly transmitted through the fecal-oral route, often linked to consumption of contaminated food or water. Hepatitis A vaccination plays a crucial role in preventing this infection, significantly reducing the risk of outbreaks and providing immunity to individuals. The vaccine is inactivated, meaning it contains no live virus and cannot cause the disease in the vaccinated individual. Recommendations for vaccination include travelers to endemic areas, individuals with chronic liver disease, and those in close contact with infected individuals, as well as children in settings with a higher risk of transmission. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) recommend that all children receive the hepatitis A vaccine at age 1, as part of the routine immunization schedule. For adults who are at increased risk or wish to ensure protection, a two-dose series is advised, with the second dose typically administered six to twelve months after the first. The vaccine demonstrates a high efficacy rate, with studies showing that more than 95% of vaccinated individuals develop protective antibodies against the virus. In the context of public health, widespread vaccination campaigns have led to a significant decrease in the incidence of hepatitis A infections in many regions. For instance, in the United States, the introduction of the vaccine in the mid-1990s resulted in a dramatic reduction of reported cases, illustrating how effective immunization can ensure community protection through herd immunity. Additionally, vaccination has proven especially important following an outbreak, as it can effectively control further spread of the virus. Despite the effectiveness of the hepatitis A vaccine, barriers to vaccination still exist, such as vaccine availability, cost, and public awareness. Continued education on the importance of vaccination and addressing misconceptions surrounding the hepatitis A virus can improve vaccination rates and enhance community health outcomes. Public health initiatives must prioritize reaching underserved populations and ensuring equal access to preventive measures like hepatitis A vaccination. As outbreaks can have significant health and economic impacts, maintaining a robust vaccination strategy remains essential for global health safety.
