Five European Countries Have High Probability of Sustained Hepatitis A Transmission

In the European Union/European Economic Area (EU/EEA), several countries are currently experiencing outbreaks of hepatitis A virus (HAV), with two clusters involving closely related HAV subgenotype IB strains.

As of June 18, 2025, Hungary (66 cases), Austria (43 cases), Slovakia (23 cases) and Germany (three cases) have a high probability of sustained transmission and circulation of the HAV within specific groups, as assessed by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC).

Additionally, cases have been reported among members of the Roma communities in Czechia.

In 2024, Czechia sequenced a total of 52 samples, of which 34 were identified as subgenotype IB. Between January and the end of April 2025, 30 additional samples were analysed, with 25 identified as subgenotype IB.

Since hepatitis A is a vaccine-preventable disease, the ECDC recommends tailoring outreach to populations at higher risk of exposure to HAV, based on an understanding of their specific needs, attitudes, and knowledge.

The specific recommendations include the following actions:

Targeted single-dose pre-exposure hepatitis A vaccination programmes for populations who are not vaccinated and who are more likely to be exposed to the virus.

Provide post-exposure prophylaxis to close contacts of cases by administering the hepatitis A vaccine, or in particular circumstances, hepatitis A immunoglobulins.

And finally, consider targeted vaccination of population groups more likely to be exposed to HAV in low and very-low-endemicity settings to provide individual health benefits.

As of June 20, 2025, the U.S. CDC recommends that international travelers visiting areas with HAV outbreaks consult with a vaccine expert one month before departure to assess vaccination options.

For example, vaccination is recommended for unvaccinated travelers one year old or older going to Hungary. And when visiting the Lisbon and Tagus Valley regions in Portugal.