Hepatitis A cases surge to highest level since 1984

Doctors have recorded 2,880 cases of hepatitis A so far this year—twenty times more than last year and the highest figure since 1984. Thirty-one people have died, compared with two last year, according to data from the National Institute of Public Health.

Prague accounts for more than 40 percent of all infections, with nearly 50 new cases added in the past week alone. The Central Bohemian and Moravian-Silesian regions follow with the next-highest numbers.

Prague has stepped up regular cleaning of public transport vehicles and stations in response to the outbreak and people have been urged to observe heightened hygiene measures such as frequent hand-washing.