Hepatitis A Cases Fall in Prague but Rise in South Moravia

The hepatitis A outbreak in Prague is gradually declining, but the situation in Brno and the South Moravian region is worsening. Health officials report that new infections in the capital continue to drop and could return to normal levels by summer. In contrast, South Moravia recorded 115 cases in January alone — already more than half of last year’s total. Brno accounts for roughly three-quarters of these new infections.

Czechia to Test Mobile Emergency Alert System This Year

The Czech Republic plans to begin testing a new public emergency alert system this year that will send warnings directly to mobile phones. The Cell Broadcast technology can deliver alerts within seconds to people in affected areas, outlining risks and providing instructions. Authorities plan to use the system during floods, fires, major power or water outages, hazardous material incidents, explosion risks, and aerial threats, including drone attacks. A nationwide rollout could come by the end of the year.

Inflation Drops to 1.6%, Lowest Level Since 2016

Annual inflation in the Czech Republic slowed to 1.6% in January, the lowest level since November 2016. Analysts link the decline mainly to a 7.9% drop in energy prices, partly due to some costs shifting to the state. Services rose by 4.7%, food and non-alcoholic beverages by 1.3%, and alcohol and tobacco by nearly 5%. Without falling energy prices, inflation in January would have been closer to 3%.

Government Promotes Stair Use in New Health Campaign

Czech Minister of Sport, Prevention and Health Boris Šťastný has launched a campaign titled “Health Is Expensive, but the Stairs Are Free,” encouraging people to use stairs instead of elevators to support public health. He cited international studies suggesting regular stair climbing can reduce the risk of death from cardiovascular disease by up to 39%. Treatment of these conditions represents one of the largest costs for the healthcare system.

Czech Republic Represented by Record Number of Athletes at Winter Olympics

Czechia is represented at the Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo by 114 athletes – its largest team in history . The line-up includes stars such as Ester Ledecká (alpine skiing and snowboarding), Martina Sáblíková (speed skating), Eva Adamczyková (snowboard cross) Michal Krčmář (biathlon) and the national hockey team.