South Moravia sees rise in hepatitis A cases

Hepatitis A cases are rising again in South Moravia following a decline in August. Regional hygienists recorded 34 new cases in September, primarily among adults.

Since the beginning of the year, the South Moravian region has recorded 502 cases of the disease, a significant increase compared to the 43 cases recorded during the same period last year. Three deaths have been reported in the region since January. The highest concentration of cases is located in Brno and its surrounding areas.

Renata Ciupek, director of the anti-epidemic department, noted that Brno and Prague remain the most affected regions. While most infections are local, risks also persist in countries such as Egypt, Italy, Hungary, Poland, Spain, and Ukraine.

Health officials have implemented preventive measures for nearly 3,000 people in high-risk contact. Post-exposure vaccination has successfully prevented illness in approximately 98 percent of those cases. Authorities continue to urge hygiene precautions, particularly for those working in the gastronomy sector, and recommend vaccination as the most effective protection.