Henrieta Hudečková, Viera Švihrová
Introduction: Slovakia belongs to countries with a low to average endemic hepatitis A. The highest reported incidence occurs among children. Methods: The retrospective statistical analysis of epidemiological data from EPIS (The Epidemiological Information System of SR), TESSY (The European Surveillance System), CISID (Centralized Information System for Infectious Diseases) – period 1997-2012. Results: In the analysed period 11,959 cases of hepatitis A were reported with decreasing incidence. The highest incidence was in the 1-4 age group (from 6.6 – 2012 to 241.9/100 000 – 2009) and in the 5-9 age group (from 4.9 – 2012 to 131.5/100 000 – 2009). The highest seasonality was described in October; the majority of cases were reported from regions: Banská Bystrica, Košice and Prešov (82.0 % from all diseases). Conclusion: It is not possible to eradicate and eliminate hepatitis A. The most important preventive measures are vaccination along with quality drinking water and food. These measures protect the most vulnerable groups – children of preschool and school age.