Hepatitis A (viral hepatitis A) is an infectious inflammatory disease of the liver caused by the hepatitis A virus. It is transmitted by the fecal-oral route either directly through the contaminated hands of an infected person or indirectly through contaminated objects, food and water.

Risks can also include:

· consumption of uncooked or insufficiently cooked food in an environment with low hygiene standards,

· consumption of water and drinks of unverified quality,

· presence of ice cubes in drinks, etc.

Due to the nature of the infection and the method of transmission, it primarily affects children and young adults, but it does not avoid other age groups.

Failure to follow basic hygiene habits (especially after using the toilet, before eating and preparing food, etc.) significantly contributes to the spread of infection.

The incubation period lasts 15-50 days.

Symptoms include:

· increased temperature, loss of appetite, fatigue,

nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain,

· general weakness, joint and muscle pain,

· yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes,

· dark urine, light stools,

· itching of the skin, etc.

However, the disease can also occur without symptoms (especially in children).

The only reliable evidence of hepatitis A infection is a laboratory test for antibodies in the blood.

Prevention:

The most effective protection is vaccination and consistent hygiene.

According to data from the National Institute of Health, Czech doctors have recorded an enormous increase in cases of hepatitis A this year. The main cause is probably the low vaccination rate of the population and the small percentage of people who have had the disease.

Free according to the web portal of the SZÚ, NZIP and MZD ČR, 31.10.2025