At least four European countries frequented by Australian tourists have reported outbreaks of the highly contagious Hepatitis A virus.
A significant increase in the liver infection has been reported in Austria, Czechia, Hungary, and Slovakia from January to May – with a total of 2097 cases this year.
Slovakia, which has had an outbreak since late 2022, reported 880 cases this year.
Austria has recorded 87 cases including three deaths, and Czechia has seen 600 cases including six deaths, with young children being the most affected group.
Hungary has experienced 530 cases, mainly among adults, and Germany – though not labelled an affected country – had three cases matching Hungary and Austria.
A spokesperson for the Interim Australian Centre for Disease Control has warned Australians to take care regarding the current outbreak in Europe.
‘Australian travellers should be aware that hepatitis A is highly contagious,’ they told The Daily Telegraph.
‘You can get infected after ingesting the virus 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.’
People can catch hepatitis A through close physical contact with someone who has it, including through oral or anal sex (spore-forming bacteria is pictured)
At least four European countries frequented by Australian tourists have reported outbreaks of the highly contagious Hepatitis A virus (pictured, travellers at Sydney Airport)
