Heading to Europe? A Hepatitis A outbreak has hit multiple countries

Getting ready for Euro summer? Among the usual travel prep, there’s one more thing worth checking.

A multi-country outbreak of hepatitis A has been reported in several EU/EEA countries. According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Austria, Czechia, Hungary, and Slovakia are currently experiencing outbreaks with higher-than-expected numbers of hepatitis A virus subgenotype IB. A total of 2,097 cases have been confirmed between January and May 2025. 

What is hepatitis A?

880 cases have been reported in Slovakia. (Image: Getty/ benedek)

According to the World Health Organisation, hepatitis A is “an inflammation of the liver that can cause mild to severe illness.” The virus primarily spreads when an uninfected and unvaccinated person consumes food or water contaminated with the faeces of someone infected. 

The Better Health Channel says you can become sick from hepatitis A anywhere from 2 to 4 weeks after exposure. These symptoms may include: fever, nausea, abdominal discomfort and pain, dark urine and yellow skin and eyes.

How to prevent hepatitis A?

Hungary reported 530 hepatitis A cases. (Image: Getty/PEDRE)

This gastrointestinal virus is uncommon in Australia. According to national guidelines, hepatitis A can be prevented by ensuring access to clean drinking water, proper hand-washing facilities, safe sanitation, hygienic food handling at all stages and vaccination for those at higher risk.

How many cases have been reported?

At the time of writing, the number of cases is as follows:

• Slovakia: 880 cases

• Czechia: 600 cases, including six deaths

• Hungary: 530 cases

• Austria: 87 cases, including three deaths

Should you be worried?

87 cases have been reported in Austria. (Image: Getty/bluejayphoto)

While this news might sound a bit alarming, there’s no need to cancel your holiday plans. Hepatitis A mainly affects specific groups and doesn’t pose a major risk for most travellers. The ECDC has reported that individuals most susceptible to contracting hepatitis A include people experiencing homelessness, people who use drugs and those living in poor sanitary conditions. 

For most travellers, the risk of contracting hepatitis A in these affected countries is generally low to moderate, especially if you follow basic hygiene and food safety precautions. The ECDC reports that there is very low to low risk in non-affected EU/EEA countries. 

Still feeling unsure? Head straight to your GP to discuss getting vaccinated before you leave. 

For more detailed information, please visit the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control’s website.