Australian travellers planning a trip to Europe, listen up! Health authorities have issued a warning about a Hepatitis A outbreak in at least four popular tourist destinations.
Which Countries Are Affected?
Austria, Czechia, Hungary, and Slovakia have reported significant increases in Hepatitis A cases from January to May this year, with a total of 2,097 cases.
Slovakia has been dealing with an outbreak since late 2022, with 880 cases reported this year alone.
What’s the Situation in Each Country?
Austria has recorded 87 cases, including three deaths, with young children being the most affected group.
Czechia has seen 600 cases, including six deaths, while Hungary has experienced 530 cases, mainly among adults. Germany, although not officially listed as an affected country, has reported three cases.
How to Protect Yourself
A spokesperson for the Interim Australian Centre for Disease Control has urged Australians to take care, stating that “hepatitis A is highly contagious”. You can get infected by:
- eating contaminated raw food
- drinking contaminated water
- handling soiled nappies, linen, or towels of an infectious person
- sharing personal items with an infectious person
- having close or intimate contact with an infectious person
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control has emphasized the importance of vaccination and good hygiene to protect against hepatitis A infection.
What Is Hepatitis A?
Hepatitis A is a contagious liver infection caused by a virus spread via contaminated faeces making its way into food and drink.
It’s not common in Australia, but outbreaks can occur, highlighting the need for vaccination and good hygiene practices.