Hepatitis A outbreak in several European countries – 9News

Hepatitis A Outbreak in Europe: Implications for Australian Travellers and Sustainable Development Goals

Australian travellers to Europe have been strongly advised to receive vaccination amid an ongoing outbreak of Hepatitis A across several popular tourist destinations. This public health concern highlights critical intersections with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to health, well-being, and reducing inequalities.

Overview of the Hepatitis A Outbreak

Thousands of Hepatitis A cases have been confirmed in Austria, Czechia, Hungary, Slovakia, and Germany. The outbreak primarily affects vulnerable populations including individuals living in poor sanitary conditions, people who inject drugs, and adults experiencing homelessness. However, health authorities emphasize that the disease can affect anyone, including tourists.

• Risk levels vary by age and health status:
  • Moderate risk for individuals under 40 years old.
  • High risk for individuals over 40 years old, with risk increasing with age.
  • Very high risk for people with pre-existing liver disease and older adults.
• Overall risk for the general population in affected countries is assessed as low to moderate.

Understanding Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is a viral liver infection that often presents symptoms several weeks after exposure. Initial symptoms include:

1. Tiredness and weakness
2. Sudden nausea and diarrhoea
3. Abdominal pain and loss of appetite
4. Fever and dark urine
5. Joint pain, intense itching, and yellowing of the skin (jaundice)

While symptoms may be mild and resolve within weeks, Hepatitis A can cause serious, long-lasting, and sometimes fatal liver inflammation. Vaccination or immunoglobulin injections within two weeks of exposure can prevent disease development. The virus is commonly transmitted through contaminated food and water or close contact with infected individuals.

European Countries Experiencing Hepatitis A Outbreak

Austria

• 87 confirmed cases and 44 suspected cases under investigation.
• 43 cases reported in Vienna, including three deaths.
• 2025 case numbers have already exceeded those of 2024.

Czechia

• 600 confirmed cases, with 63% male patients.
• Most affected age groups: children aged 1-9 years and adults aged 24-44 years.
• Six deaths reported.

Hungary

• 530 confirmed cases and 641 suspected cases under investigation.
• Cases primarily among adults, including a cluster of 57 adults.
• No deaths reported.

Slovakia

• Significant spike in cases since late 2022, totaling 850 reported cases.
• 60% of cases are men; nearly half are associated with the Roma community.
• No deaths reported.

Germany

• Three reported cases involving two women and one man with a history of drug use.
• No fatal cases reported.

Linking the Outbreak to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The Hepatitis A outbreak underscores the importance of advancing multiple SDGs:

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Promoting vaccination and access to healthcare reduces disease spread and mortality.
   • Improving disease surveillance and response enhances public health security.
2. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • Addressing poor sanitary conditions reduces transmission via contaminated water and food.
   • Investments in sanitation infrastructure protect vulnerable populations.
3. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • Targeted interventions for marginalized groups such as the homeless and drug users promote health equity.
   • Reducing health disparities contributes to social inclusion.
4. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • International cooperation is essential for disease monitoring and vaccination campaigns.
   • Sharing health data and resources supports global health security.

Recommendations for Australian Travellers

• Obtain Hepatitis A vaccination prior to travel to affected European countries.
• Practice good hygiene, including frequent handwashing and consuming safe food and water.
• Be aware of symptoms and seek medical advice promptly if illness develops.
• Support global efforts to improve sanitation and healthcare access in vulnerable communities.

This outbreak serves as a critical reminder of the interconnectedness of health, sanitation, and social equity in achieving sustainable development and protecting global populations.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected to the Issues Highlighted in the Article

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • The article discusses an outbreak of Hepatitis A, a public health issue, emphasizing vaccination, disease prevention, and health risks.
2. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • Transmission of Hepatitis A is linked to contaminated food and water, and poor sanitary conditions are highlighted as a factor in the outbreak.
3. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • The article mentions vulnerable populations such as people living in poor sanitary conditions, people who inject drugs, adults experiencing homelessness, and the Roma community being disproportionately affected.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified Based on the Article’s Content

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.3: By 2030, end the epidemics of communicable diseases including hepatitis.
   • Target 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage, including access to vaccines and essential medicines.
2. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • Target 6.1: Achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all.
   • Target 6.2: Achieve access to adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene for all, paying special attention to vulnerable populations.
3. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • Target 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of vulnerability.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article to Measure Progress Towards the Identified Targets

1. SDG 3 Indicators
   • Incidence rate of hepatitis A cases (e.g., number of confirmed cases reported in Austria, Czechia, Hungary, Slovakia, and Germany).
   • Mortality rate due to hepatitis A (e.g., number of deaths reported in Austria and Czechia).
   • Vaccination coverage rates among travelers and vulnerable populations.
2. SDG 6 Indicators
   • Proportion of population with access to safe drinking water and sanitation (implied by the mention of poor sanitary conditions contributing to the outbreak).
3. SDG 10 Indicators
   • Incidence and prevalence of hepatitis A among vulnerable groups such as homeless adults, people who inject drugs, and the Roma community.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: 9news.com.au