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Multi-country outbreak of hepatitis A in the EU/EEA
4 months ago •source ecdc.europa.eu
Slovakia
A multi-country outbreak of hepatitis A has been reported in the EU/EEA, affecting Austria, Czechia, Hungary, and Slovakia. The outbreak involves two closely related hepatitis A virus (HAV) subgenotype IB strains, with a significant number of cases reported among vulnerable populations. The outbreak has resulted in an increased number of infections from January to May 2025.The outbreak primarily impacts adults experiencing homelessness, individuals who use or inject drugs, and those living in poor sanitary conditions. Additionally, cases have been reported among Roma communities in Czech Republic and Slovakia. The risk of transmission is assessed as high within these groups, particularly for adults over 40 and those with predisposing liver conditions. The broader population in affected countries faces a low to moderate risk, while non-affected EU/EEA countries have a very low to low risk.
The outbreak was discovered through sequence data analysis, which identified two clusters of HAV subgenotype IB strains across Austria, Germany, Hungary, and Slovakia. Health authorities are investigating potential transmission routes and considering targeted vaccination programs to mitigate the spread of the virus. Enhanced sequencing efforts are also underway to better understand the epidemiological diversity of the outbreak.
In case you experienced Hepatitis A symptoms such as fever, nausea, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, dark-colored urine, and jaundice (a yellowing of the skin), it is important to report it. It can help to detect & resolve issues and prevent others from being harmed, and it enables better surveillance. If symptoms persist, seek medical care.
Source:
www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/publications-data/rapid-risk-assessment-multi-country-outbreak-hepatitis-eueea
www.ecdc.europa.eu/sites/default/files/documents/Multi-country_outbreak_of_HepA_June_2025.pdf
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