Six have reportedly died with hundreds more falling ill due to the spread of ‘dirty hands disease’ in the Czech Republic. Hepatitis A cases are on the rise in the country, and a warning has been issued to holidaymakers heading there.
Travel Health Pro, a government-backed agency, has urged Brits to get vaccinated against the infection if they are travelling to the country. Hepatitis A spreads through faeces and inflames the liver. Symptoms can also include jaundice, dark urine and itchy skin.
The Czech Health Ministry warned: “The disease, also known as infectious jaundice, is spreading not only among children but also among adolescents and young adults, and among people with risky behaviour, especially among drug addicts and homeless people.”
Six deaths were reported, as well as 450 confirmed cases, in the Czech Republic as of May 5.
Dr Macková, chief hygienist and director of the country’s national institute of public health, added: “When we compare the figures for the whole of last year and just four months of this year, it is clear that we are seeing a sharp increase in cases. Hepatitis A affects regions across the country.
“The transmission of the infection occurs mainly as a result of poor hygiene conditions.
“Due to the long incubation period, often asymptomatic course, and increasing non-compliance with basic hygiene habits, the infection has very good conditions for spreading.
“In the current situation, we recommend getting vaccinated before the start of holidays and vacations.”
Health officials in the Czech Republic also offered this guidance to those holidaying in the country.
They said: “It is recommended to avoid consuming raw salads and vegetables, fruit that you cannot peel yourself, ice cream, raw or semi-raw seafood, and oysters are especially dangerous.
“In general, it is good to avoid undercooked foods and not use ice in drinks.”
Prague, the country’s capital, is popular with Brits. It is an especially popular destination for stag dos.
Hepatitis A vaccines are not routinely given out in the UK due to the low risk of getting the infection.
People heading to parts of Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Central and South America are usually advised to get a jab.
