Czech Republic reports record Hepatitis C and HIV cases

The Czech Republic is seeing a significant rise in reported cases of Hepatitis C and HIV, though health officials clarify that much of this increase is due to improved diagnostic methods and reporting systems.

Regarding Hepatitis C, the National Institute of Public Health (SZÚ) has recorded between 1,368 and 1,486 cases this year, marking a decade-high level. Experts emphasize that approximately 90% of these are not new infections but rather long-standing chronic cases that were only recently identified through better testing and electronic reporting. Risk factors include intravenous drug use, living in socially excluded communities, and tattooing in unregulated facilities.

Similarly, HIV infection rates are trending toward a record high. From January to July, the SZÚ recorded 179 new cases, a 10.5% increase compared to the same period last year. This follows a record-breaking year in 2023, which saw 293 new cases. Medical professionals are urging increased prevention and early testing to prevent the progression to AIDS.