Warning as popular stag do hotspot hit by potentially fatal ‘yellowing disease' that's ‘spreading fast' infecting 450
Hundreds have fallen ill as
2
Prague has seen a surge in hep A cases
Credit: Getty
2
The disease can leave your skin and the whites of your eyes yellow
Credit: Getty
The potentially deadly virus is spread via the poo of infected people, which is why Czech health chiefs have nicknamed it 'dirty hands disease'.
The virus inflames the liver, stopping it from working properly. This means it can't clear a substance called bilirubin from the body.
When bilirubin builds up, it causes
It can also lead to dark urine and cause itchy skin.
Read more on hep a
But in some cases, people show no symptoms at all - making it even easier for the virus to spread unnoticed among crowds.
As of May 5, the Czech Republic has recorded 450 confirmed cases of hepatitis A (Hep A), with six deaths reported.
That's a sharp rise compared to all of 2024, which saw 636 cases and two fatalities.
The hardest-hit areas so far are Central Bohemia (87 cases), Moravia-Silesia (83), and Prague (73).
Most read in Health
The disease is mostly spreading among young adults and the homeless who have not been vaccinated.
"They are therefore more likely to become infected when in contact with an infected person or objects," Dr Barbora Macková, chief hygienist and director of the SZÚ said in a statement.
Leading consultant hepatologist, Dr Patrick Kennedy explains the different types, and the complications of hepatitis
"Increasing non-compliance with prescribed anti-epidemic measures and basic hygiene habits, the infection has very good conditions for "spreading", she added in the release shared on the UK's Travel Health Pros website.
Brits — and anyone planning to visit the Czech Republic — are being urged to check their vaccine records and get jabbed before travelling.
"In the current epidemiological situation, we recommend getting vaccinated before the start of holidays and vacations, "Dr Barbora added.
Hep A vaccines are not routinely given out in the UK due to the low risk of getting the infection.
But the NHS does advise the jab for travellers heading to places where the virus is more common.
These include parts of Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Central and South America.
What are the symptoms of Hepatitis A?
Symptoms can include:
feeling tired and generally unwell
joint and muscle pain
a high temperature (fever)
loss of appetite
feeling or being sick
pain in the upper-right part of your tummy
yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
dark urine and pale stools
itchy skin
Source:
You should also get vaccinated if you've recently been close to someone with hepatitis A.
If you have long-term liver disease or a blood clotting disorder like
Men who have sex with men and people with jobs that expose them to the virus - like healthcare or sewage workers - should also be vaccinated.
Speak to your GP if you think you need a hepatitis A vaccine.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Irish Sun
6 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Warning to Brits to brace for winter surge of serious respiratory virus after record cases in Australia
NHS England is urging pregnant women to get vaccinated to help shield their newborns VIRUS WARNING Warning to Brits to brace for winter surge of serious respiratory virus after record cases in Australia BRITAIN should brace for a winter surge in a serious respiratory virus following a record number of cases in Australia, health experts have said. Medics Down Under have been swamped with cases of RSV, which is a leading cause of death among babies and the main cause of hospital admissions for children. Advertisement 2 The virus is a major cause of infant deaths and the top reason young children are admitted to hospital Credit: Alamy 2 Britiain should brace for a winter surge in a serious respiratory virus following a record number of cases in Australia, health experts have said Credit: Getty NHS England is urging pregnant women to get vaccinated against RSV to help shield their newborns. The virus is a major cause of infant deaths and the top reason young children are admitted to hospital. Pregnant women can receive the jab from 28 weeks onwards via their maternity care team or GP. Adults aged 75 to 79 are also eligible, with NHS England set to begin sending out invitations in the coming weeks. Advertisement Kate Brintworth, chief midwifery officer for NHS England, said: "While for most adults RSV only causes mild, cold-like symptoms, for older adults and young children it can lead to serious breathing problems that can end up in hospitalisation. "Getting vaccinated while pregnant is the best way to protect your baby from the moment they are born, and now is the time for mums to act, to make sure their babies are protected ahead of their first few months this winter, when there tends to be more bugs circulating." The UK Health Security Agency last week released data on the vaccine's effectiveness. It found that the jab can prevent 72% of RSV-related hospital admissions in babies when given during pregnancy. Advertisement It also found the vaccine 82% effective at reducing hospitalisations among older adults.
The Irish Sun
10 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
I've been left with a gigantic hernia the size of a football – docs said my symptoms were just a ‘bad back'
Find out everything you need to know about Graham's condition below FOBBED OFF I've been left with a gigantic hernia the size of a football – docs said my symptoms were just a 'bad back' GRAHAM Shepherd has been left with a hernia the size of a football after doctors dismissed his symptoms as a "bad back". While the 65-year-old has been awarded a payout after suing the NHS, he's said his and his family's lives "will never be the same again". 5 Graham Shepherd started suffering with back pain, but doctors just treated him with painkillers Credit: SWNS 5 He was eventually diagnosed with an 11.5cm abdominal aortic aneurysm Credit: SWNS 5 As part of complications he's been left with a stoma, mobility problems and a large abdominal hernia Credit: SWNS Graham developed the gigantic bulge - described as the biggest doctors had ever seen - when it ballooned after an aneurysm ruptured. He had visited his GP multiple times and gone to hospital twice complaining of severe back pain as well as weight loss over a nine week period. Graham said a lump on his stomach was also pulsating - but doctors failed to carry out a full examination and sent him home with painkillers. The result of an MRI scan was incorrectly recorded as clear before he was eventually diagnosed with an 11.5cm abdominal aortic aneurysm 64 days later. Read more on hernias AGONISING Man faces 20-month wait to remove giant hernia that makes him look pregnant The dad-of-one was told by doctors he had been a "walking time bomb" and underwent emergency surgery. But he developed complications, including a torn bowel, suspected to have been caused by painkillers he had been advised to take for his back pain. Graham spent more than seven weeks in intensive care and has been left permanently disabled as a result of his ordeal. The former chief foreman is unable to work after being left with a stoma, mobility problems and the large abdominal hernia. Graham's wife, Sarah, 44, has also been forced to give up her job as a healthcare assistant to become his full-time carer. Lawyers have now secured Graham an undisclosed settlement after two doctors and a hospital trust involved in his care denied liability. I lost 14 stone and finally had my loose skin removed, but it was totally botched and I look like I've been left with a permanent hernia Graham, of Stourbrige, West Mids., said: "I was in pain for months. "It started in my back and gradually spread to my abdomen, groin, and down my left leg. "I could barely move and spent most of my time lying on the settee. "I knew something wasn't right and the lump I found in my stomach was pulsating in time with my heartbeat. "When they diagnosed my aneurysm, the doctors told me it was one of the biggest they'd ever seen and I was a walking time bomb. "They believed it had already ruptured several times. I knew something wasn't right and the lump I found in my stomach was pulsating in time with my heartbeat Graham Shepherd "Because it was leaking it had probably relieved some of the pressure and had stopped it fully rupturing and killing me. "I was told that you could probably only fit a cigarette paper between the aneurysm and my spine and that it had worn my spine down." Graham's emergency surgery went well, but afterwards he felt three pops inside of him. It turned out his bowel had perforated. He continued: " I needed another emergency surgery and was told I'd need a stoma. At first, I refused. I was devastated. "Sarah had to convince me it was the only way to save my life. "It wasn't a case of staying in hospital, getting better and going home. "I've been left with permanent nerve damage, muscle wasting in my leg, I can't work and Sarah has had to give up her job to care for me. "My stomach is unsightly and I have a stoma that can't be reversed. I've been told any further surgery on my abdomen would be very risky and complicated. "Our lives will never be the same again. "I just hope that by sharing what happened to me I can help raise awareness so others don't have to suffer." 5 After suing the NHS Graham has now been awarded a payout Credit: SWNS 5 Graham has been told further surgery on his abdomen would be very risky and complicated Credit: SWNS Jenna Harris, the lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing Graham, said: "We firmly believe that those involved in Graham's care failed to conduct appropriate examinations and arrange and report back on a MRI scan in a timely fashion, especially in light of Graham complaining of symptoms associated with an abdominal aortic aneurysm. "If Graham had received the care we say he should, we believe his condition would have been diagnosed sooner and he wouldn't have gone to suffer life-changing complications. "Nothing can make up for Graham's ordeal but we're pleased to have secured this settlement allowing him to access the ongoing support he requires. "An abdominal aortic aneurysm can be life-threatening, especially if they rupture. "Therefore, it's vital people are aware of the possible signs. Early detection and treatment are crucial in managing the condition and preventing potentially fatal complications."
The Irish Sun
15 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
‘Never ever go on Mounjaro' says influencer who lost 6lbs in 2 days but was left ‘dying & crawling on the floor
Find out everything you need to know about fat jabs MOUNJAR-NO 'Never ever go on Mounjaro' says influencer who lost 6lbs in 2 days but was left 'dying & crawling on the floor INFLUENCER and YouTube star Tana Mongeau has issued a dramatic warning to fans after trying the weight loss jab Mounjaro. The US star, 26, says it left her crawling on the floor and feeling like she was "dying". Advertisement 5 Tana Mongeau warned fans to never go on Mounjaro Credit: Getty 5 The influencer said she lost 6ibs in 2 days Credit: Youtube 5 Tana, 26, says the effects left her 'dying' & 'crawling on the floor' Credit: Youtube Tana Mongeau, who boasts over 5 million followers, opened up about her experience with the controversial injection on her podcast Cancelled with Tana Mongeau and Brooke Schofield on YouTube. Speaking to co-host Brooke Schofield, Tana didn't hold back about how badly the medication affected her, despite shedding 6lbs in just two days. 'So I shot up Mounjaro,' she began. 'And this is the biggest public service announcement to the whole wide world to never, ever, ever do it. I have been dying this week. Like, dying. Like, crawling on the floor.' Advertisement The reality star, who's known for her chaotic storytelling and viral moments, said she was so nauseous she had to take Zofran – a prescription anti-sickness medication – every day for breakfast just to cope. She claims the fat jab left her "gripping the walls". Tana added: 'I don't wanna get into the bowels. But they are not regular. They're not okay. Or too regular.' The 26-year-old claimed she was sleeping for more than 12 hours at a time and even joked: 'I think I have osteoporosis now because of it.' Advertisement She admitted that the jab worked fast and she felt 'tiny' after dropping the weight almost instantly and said she was happily eating protein. But the side effects weren't worth it. 'I am done with it,' she said. 'I don't think I'll ever do it again.' Doc gives advice on how to tackle Mounjaro side effect of excess loose skin Mounjaro is a diabetes drug that's recently gained popularity in Hollywood and on TikTok as an off-label weight loss injection. It works by mimicking a hormone that helps regulate appetite and blood sugar levels but it's known to cause strong gastrointestinal side effects, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and constipation. Advertisement Tana's extreme reaction, including severe nausea, exhaustion, disrupted digestion and prolonged sleep, is likely due to how the drug slows down digestion and suppresses appetite. Some users also report symptoms like dehydration, cramping and dizziness as the body adjusts. While many have hailed Mounjaro as a 'miracle' fat-loss fix, experts have warned it's not for everyone, especially if taken without medical supervision. Tana's honest confession struck a chord with fans, with many praising her for calling out the risks and opening up about the darker side of so-called 'quick fixes.' Advertisement One fan commented online: "this is so scary". Another added: "Wow, I had no idea the effects were that bad". The star doesn't deny the fat jab's results. As she bluntly put it: 'Anything that's a quick fix, obviously, it works well. But I should not have done that". Advertisement She's not the only user reporting odd side effects. Kelly, from the UK, took to social media to share how her journey on the weight loss jab was going. Kelly is currently on 10mg of Mounjaro a week, but she said it wasn't working as it was supposed to. She said the drug had totally changed her taste buds making it difficult for her to eat. Advertisement Others have warned of severe hair loss. Everything you need to know about fat jabs Weight loss jabs are all the rage as studies and patient stories reveal they help people shed flab at almost unbelievable rates, as well as appearing to reduce the risk of serious diseases. Wegovy – a modified version of type 2 diabetes drug Ozempic – and Mounjaro are the leading weight loss injections used in the UK. Wegovy, real name semaglutide, has been used on the NHS for years while Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a newer and more powerful addition to the market. Mounjaro accounts for most private prescriptions for weight loss and is set to join Wegovy as an NHS staple this year. How do they work? The jabs work by suppressing your appetite, making you eat less so your body burns fat for energy instead and you lose weight. They do this my mimicking a hormone called GLP-1, which signals to the brain when the stomach is full, so the drugs are officially called GLP-1 receptor agonists. They slow down digestion and increase insulin production, lowering blood sugar, which is why they were first developed to treat type 2 diabetes in which patients' sugar levels are too high. Can I get them? NHS prescriptions of weight loss drugs, mainly Wegovy and an older version called Saxenda (chemical name liraglutide), are controlled through specialist weight loss clinics. Typically a patient will have to have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, classifying them as medically obese, and also have a weight-related health condition such as high blood pressure. GPs generally do not prescribe the drugs for weight loss. Private prescribers offer the jabs, most commonly Mounjaro, to anyone who is obese (BMI of 30+) or overweight (BMI 25-30) with a weight-related health risk. Private pharmacies have been rapped for handing them out too easily and video calls or face-to-face appointments are now mandatory to check a patient is being truthful about their size and health. Are there any risks? Yes – side effects are common but most are relatively mild. Around half of people taking the drug experience gut issues, including sickness, bloating, acid reflux, constipation and diarrhoea. Dr Sarah Jarvis, GP and clinical consultant at said: 'One of the more uncommon side effects is severe acute pancreatitis, which is extremely painful and happens to one in 500 people.' Other uncommon side effects include altered taste, kidney problems, allergic reactions, gallbladder problems and hypoglycemia. Evidence has so far been inconclusive about whether the injections are damaging to patients' mental health. Figures obtained by The Sun show that, up to January 2025, 85 patient deaths in the UK were suspected to be linked to the medicines. 5 The star opened up about the dark side of 'quick fixes' Credit: GC Images 5 Tana has over 5million followers on her instagram
