Economy 25 March 2025, 1:30pm

A rare disease is spreading like an epidemic in Hungary - authority warns

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In the first two months of 2025, the number of reported cases of suspected hepatitis A infection increased sevenfold compared to the same period last year, according to the National Centre for Public Health and Pharmacy (NNGYK). The most affected areas are Budapest, Pest and Fejér counties. As the infection is expected to spread, the NNGYK has asked health professionals to consider this possibility when caring for patients and to inform them about the spread of the virus and how to prevent it.

According to the statement, the disease, which is caused by the hepatitis A virus, is

rare in developed countries and is a childhood disease in developing countries, with almost everyone contracting the disease by adulthood.

The virus is spread through contaminated faeces, contaminated water, ice and food. In rare cases, it can also be transmitted sexually. Infection is most common in places with poor hygiene and where there is a lack of water purification and an inadequate supply of fresh water.

The hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for people in high-risk groups and can be obtained from pharmacies on prescription for a fee.

People at increased risk include those who travel to infected subtropical or tropical countries, live in or travel to places with poor sanitation (e.g. pit latrines or no running water), or have an underlying medical condition (e.g. haemophiliacs, chronic carriers of hepatitis B or C viruses).

They also include people at increased risk of hepatitis A infection due to their lifestyle (e.g. intravenous drug users, MSM ( men who have sex with men) population), the release said.

As the charts below attest, the spread of hepatitis A has been outstanding this year compared to the previous years.

A new measles variant, originating from Morocco, has recently been detected in Brussels' wastewater. This variant, known as genotype B3, was the subject of a study carried out by KU Leuven. The researchers observed a high concentration of the virus in recent weeks, with a notable peak on 11 March 2025, Belgian RTBF reported on Monday.

However, the number of cases reported to the Brussels health institute Vivalis remains relatively low, with only 18 measles cases recorded this year. According to Elke Wollants, laboratory manager at the Rega Instituut of KU Leuven, this number may underestimate the extent of the epidemic.

Morocco is experiencing a measles epidemic of "historic proportions", with more than 25,000 cases and around 120 deaths reported since the end of 2023.

The virus is spreading rapidly and its impact is already being felt in several European countries.

Experts are warning of a resurgence of the virus in Europe. According to Elke Wollants, measles is on the rise in several countries, including the Netherlands, where 45 cases have been reported in just two weeks.

Belgium is one of the countries most affected by the disease, ranking 4th in Europe for the number of cases. Between February 2024 and January 2025, 551 cases were recorded in the country, according to a report by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC).

In the face of this worrying situation,

researchers are stressing the importance of vaccination as the most effective way to prevent the disease. Measles vaccination is free of charge.

Hungary is in a privileged position with regard to measles vaccination, being one of the four EU Member States that managed to maintain measles vaccination coverage above 95% in the vaccinated age groups during and after the coronavirus pandemic.

Those born in Hungary after 1978 almost invariably received two vaccinations under local regulations, as they were already 11 years old in 1989 when revaccination was introduced. Therefore, they do not need to be re-vaccinated if they have received the compulsory vaccinations correctly.