Australians warned as deadly hepatitis A outbreak infects thousands of travellers at popular European destinations

Aussies headed overseas are being urged to get a vaccination against a deadly disease that is sweeping across Europe. This is what you need to know.

Australian travellers chasing the sun to Europe have been warned to stay vigilant as a deadly disease has broken out in popular tourist hotspots.

Austria, Czechia, Hungary and Slovakia have reported a rise in hepatitis A cases between January and May, according to a European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control rapid risk assessment.

Many travellers — including Australian — could currently be carrying or be infected with the disease, without realising.

Across the four countries, 2097 cases have been reported and several deaths have occurred.

Slovakia has reported 880 cases, making it the hardest-hit country amid an outbreak that began in 2022, according to the ECDC.

Czechia follows with 600 cases and six deaths. Hungary has recorded 530 cases, while Austria has reported 87 this year.

The hepatitis A virus is spread through contact with people infected with their disease, their fluids or waste.

Hepatitis A is spreading around European holiday destinations. Photo - iStock

It affects normal liver function and can result in liver failure, especially in adults.

The disease is rare in Australia, and most infections are caused from consuming contaminated food or water.

A vaccination is available to protect against the disease, and is usually recommended by doctors if travellers are planning to visit a region where hepatitis A is common.

“Get your travel vaccinations. Particularly if there’s a travel warning for a vaccine-preventable disease where you’re going,” Smartraveller advises.

“Ensuring you’re vaccinated can protect you and those around you. Talk to your doctor. Ask what travel vaccines they recommend. And find out if your standard vaccinations need boosting.”

Experts advise Aussie travellers to get the vaccine against hep A.

Smartraveller also recommends Aussies overseas exercise hygienic practices to keep themselves safe – such as washing hands often and avoiding tap water.

The infectious period can last roughly two to three weeks, or potentially up to four weeks if there’s no jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin).

Symptoms usually start about four weeks after you catch the virus.

An aerial skyline view of Budapest at sunrise with Szechenyi Chain Bridge over the River Danube. Picture: Supplied

People who do have symptoms may experience fatigue, fever, muscle/joint pain, nauseau, vomiting, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, dark urine, clay-coloured faeces, and jaundice.

The Interim Australian Centre for Disease Control said they are aware of the current outbreak and warned Aussies to stay safe.

“Australian travellers should be aware that hepatitis A is highly contagious,” a spokesperson said.

“You can get infected after ingesting the virus by: eating contaminated raw food...drinking contaminated water...handling soiled nappies, linen or towels of an infectious person; sharing personal items with an infectious person...having close or intimate contact with an infectious person.

“Vaccination and good hygiene are the best ways to protect against hepatitis A infection.”

People with weak immune systems are at greater risk of getting hep A. Picture: iStock

Particular communities, such as those who are immunosuppressed, are at a higher risk according to the alert.

“This outbreak reminds us that hepatitis A can cause serious illness and death, especially among people with limited access to healthcare and basic hygiene,” ECDC’s One Health Unit head Ole Heuer said.

“We need to strengthen outreach, provide access to vaccination in groups more likely to be exposed and ensure basic sanitation, especially in response to the increase in cases.”

The ECDC recommended investigating “possible foodborne transmission or spill-overs into other groups at increased risk of infection” and other hepatitis A transmission catalysts to address the outbreak.

The agency is also urging targeted vaccination efforts, the use of post-exposure prophylaxis for close contacts to help prevent further infections, expanded genetic testing of the virus, and greater education and outreach aimed at high-risk populations.

The hepatitis A vaccine is available as a single or combination vaccine that would also protect against other diseases.

Originally published as Australians warned as deadly hepatitis A outbreak infects thousands of travellers at popular European destinations