Poland urges caution over travel to Czech Republic amid hepatitis A surge

Poland’s foreign ministry has advised travellers to avoid non-essential trips to the Czech Republic following a sharp rise in hepatitis A infections.

Hospitals in the worst-affected parts of the Czech Republic, including Prague and the western city of Karlovy Vary, have tightened hygiene measures as they struggle with an unprecedented surge in hepatitis A cases.

Photo: Ouael Ben Salah/Unsplash.com/CC0

Czech health authorities report more than 2,500 confirmed cases and around 30 deaths, with the highest numbers in Prague, central Bohemia (central Czech Republic) and the Moravian-Silesian region (north-east Czech Republic).

The Czech government has launched a public information campaign and expanded vaccination efforts in response to what officials describe as a “worrying” rate of transmission.

Poland’s foreign ministry is urging travellers to take strict hygiene precautions, avoid food from unverified sources and drink only bottled water.

While no formal travel ban is in place, officials recommend monitoring the evolving situation closely before visiting the country.

(mp)

Source: MSZ/gov.pl