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Heading to Europe? A Hepatitis A outbreak has hit multiple countries

Rachael Thompson Rachael Thompson
Getting ready for Euro summer? Among the usual travel prep, there’s one more thing worth checking.

A multi-country outbreak of hepatitis A has been reported in several EU/EEA countries. According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Austria, Czechia, Hungary, and Slovakia are currently experiencing outbreaks with higher-than-expected numbers of hepatitis A virus subgenotype IB. A total of 2,097 cases have been confirmed between January and May 2025. 

What is hepatitis A?

Colourful buildings in Old town Bratislava Slovakia
880 cases have been reported in Slovakia. (Image: Getty/ benedek)

According to the World Health Organisation, hepatitis A is “an inflammation of the liver that can cause mild to severe illness." The virus primarily spreads when an uninfected and unvaccinated person consumes food or water contaminated with the faeces of someone infected. 

The Better Health Channel says you can become sick from hepatitis A anywhere from 2 to 4 weeks after exposure. These symptoms may include: fever, nausea, abdominal discomfort and pain, dark urine and yellow skin and eyes.

How to prevent hepatitis A?

The Hungarian Parliament Buildingat night with lights on
Hungary reported 530 hepatitis A cases. (Image: Getty/PEDRE)

This gastrointestinal virus is uncommon in Australia. According to national guidelines, hepatitis A can be prevented by ensuring access to clean drinking water, proper hand-washing facilities, safe sanitation, hygienic food handling at all stages and vaccination for those at higher risk.

How many cases have been reported?

At the time of writing, the number of cases is as follows:

  • Slovakia: 880 cases

  • Czechia: 600 cases, including six deaths

  • Hungary: 530 cases

  • Austria: 87 cases, including three deaths

Should you be worried?

Historic city of Graz with main square, Styria, Austria
87 cases have been reported in Austria. (Image: Getty/bluejayphoto)

While this news might sound a bit alarming, there’s no need to cancel your holiday plans. Hepatitis A mainly affects specific groups and doesn’t pose a major risk for most travellers. The ECDC has reported that individuals most susceptible to contracting hepatitis A include people experiencing homelessness, people who use drugs and those living in poor sanitary conditions. 

For most travellers, the risk of contracting hepatitis A in these affected countries is generally low to moderate, especially if you follow basic hygiene and food safety precautions. The ECDC reports that there is very low to low risk in non-affected EU/EEA countries. 

Still feeling unsure? Head straight to your GP to discuss getting vaccinated before you leave. 

For more detailed information, please visit the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control’s website.

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Rachael Thompson
Rachael Thompson is a freelance travel journalist, editor and hotel addict based in the UK. She was formerly International Traveller's Evergreen Editor and was responsible for the foundational content ahead of its website relaunch, as well as managing and growing the brand’s destination guides. With a background in design and travel media, Rachael is dedicated to creating content that is as much informational as it is beautiful. She began her career at Belle magazine, before taking up editorial roles at Homes to Love and Bed Threads. Next on her travel wish list is Malta.
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What the European heatwave means for your summer travel plans

    Rachael Thompson Rachael Thompson
    Continue
    Temperatures are soaring this summer, breaking records across Europe and the UK. 

    Euro summer is a feeling like no other. But when a heatwave hits? The dream trip quickly turns into a sweaty mess. Extreme heat is sweeping Europe and the UK this week, with record-high temperatures impacting travel plans across the continent.

    And while Australian summers are typically hotter in absolute temperature, many European cities aren’t equipped for high temperatures, resulting in unbearable weather.

    Why is it so hot in Europe?

    Signs of a hot summer loomed in May, when the mercury hit unprecedented spring highs. Now, extreme high temperature warning alerts have been issued in countries such as Spain, Italy, France, England, the Netherlands and Germany.

    France saw its hottest day on record on Wednesday, with an average temperature of 30°C across the day and night. This surpasses the average temperature for June, which is 15°C to 25°C. Dozens of people have died, including 40 from drowning.

    In Spain, 212 deaths have been linked to the heatwave.

    The UK recorded its hottest June day ever on Wednesday with temperatures soaring to 36.1°C. In an article published by the Met Office – the UK’s national meteorological service – Professor Stephen Belcher CBE, Met Office Chief Scientist, shared his concerns about June’s heat. “To see temperatures like this in the UK in June is sobering. Events like this bring home the implications of climate change, with very high temperatures and humidity bringing significant health implications from heat stress, as well as impacts to a range of sectors such as transport, energy and water supply,” he said.

    Heatwaves are becoming increasingly common in Europe and the UK, neither of which is prepared for such extremes. The World Meteorological Organization reported that in 2025, at least 95% of Europe experienced above-average annual temperatures and that the continent was heating up twice as fast as the global average.

    How travel is impacted

    A pharmacy sign displaying 40 degrees Celcius
    A pharmacy broadcasting local weather data. (Credit: Getty/Dragoncello)

    During a heatwave, power grids, water systems and transport networks can be affected, resulting in disrupted itineraries for travellers. In France, power outages have left thousands without electricity and early closures have been implemented for two of Paris’s biggest attractions, the Eiffel Tower (early afternoon rather than late at night) and the Louvre (two hours early). Eurostar cancelled its London to Paris and Paris to London services from the 22nd to the 25th, and major UK rail companies have been advising travellers to avoid using trains where possible, or to travel during early hours.

    If a heatwave is predicted, being flexible with your itinerary and having fully refundable/changeable tickets is key, as extreme heat can force the cancellation of outdoor activities, impact rail and flight services and change the opening hours of sites and eateries.

    Why does summer in Europe often feel hotter than summer in Australia?

    people swimming in the Canal Saint-Martin in Paris
    People swimming in the Canal Saint-Martin in Paris to cool off. (Credit: Rachael Thompson)

    With some of the highest UV levels in the world, Australians are no strangers to the heat, adapting well to intense weather. But our infrastructure is largely equipped to withstand soaring temperatures with climate-responsive passive design, refrigerated air conditioning or evaporative coolers, as well as swimming spots aplenty.

    Buildings in Northern and Western Europe and the UK, however, are constructed to retain heat and handle frosty winters. The lack of universal air conditioning means it generally feels hotter even though the temperature on your app might not look it. During a heatwave, it can feel like you’re in a sauna as cities act like heat traps.

    How to stay cool and prepare for another heatwave

    Relief is expected across Europe and the UK later this week, but more heatwaves are still possible in the coming months. Summer heat typically peaks in July and August.

    Public transport often doesn’t have air conditioning, and buses in particular can be swelteringly hot. If you’re heading outside or your accommodation has no air conditioning, it’s worth buying a spray bottle and a handheld fan from a pharmacy or tourist stand. Check ahead of time if restaurants and cafes have air conditioning and make a booking in advance. The highest temperatures typically hit between 3pm and 6pm, so aim to head outdoors outside of these hours.

    Rising temperatures invite travellers to enter a more intentional era of seeing the world. Now more than ever is the time to embrace lower-impact “coolcations” and off-season getaways.

    Heading to Europe? A Hepatitis A outbreak has hit multiple countries