Prague sees surge in hepatitis A cases, vaccine shortage reported

BRUSSELS

Hepatitis A cases are sharply increasing in Prague, with doctors reporting 61 new infections last week, bringing the city's total for 2025 to 887, including 157 children, officials said on Tuesday.

The capital now accounts for over 40% of all hepatitis A cases in the country, Radio Prague International reported, citing the city's hygiene office.

By comparison, roughly the same number of infections appeared in Prague over the past three years combined.

The Czech Health Ministry acknowledged that high demand for vaccines may lead to temporary shortages in some areas, particularly for children.

So far this year, more than 112,000 people have been vaccinated, nearly double the number in 2024.

Ten patients in Prague have died from the disease, according to the report.