Hepatitis A outbreak in the Czech Republic: warning to UK tourists

Travel Health Pro, the official UK Government outlet run by the Foreign Office, warned tourists in the Czech Republic about an ongoing hepatitis A outbreak. As of May 5, 2025, Czech health authorities confirmed 450 cases and six deaths, a sharp increase from the 636 cases and two deaths reported for the whole of 2024. Central Bohemia, Moravia-Silesia, and Prague are the most affected areas by the current outbreak. According to the Czech Health Ministry, the disease is spreading not only among children but also among adolescents and young adults, especially among the most marginalised communities like drug addicts and homeless people. The disease is more severe in adults, with about 10% of patients experiencing complications. Mortality is also higher (1.8%) in adults over 50 or people with underlying chronic liver disease. Czech officials recommend a few simple rules to holidaymakers to prevent infection, including not consuming undercooked foods and raw salads, avoiding ice in drinks, and not using water from public taps.