Latvia : Travel Health

WARNING! This information is out-dated and likely to be inaccurate!

Researching Travel Plans

Please note that this health information about Latvia may be out-of-date. Always research the current health conditions and issues in any region you plan to visit prior to departure.

Infectious Diseases and Medical Concerns for Latvia

The following medical diseases or health concerns are more common in travel to Latvia (compared to the USA and other areas of the Western World):

• tick borne encephalitis
• travelers’ diarrhea
• cholera
• Escherichia coli diarrhea
• hepatitis A
• typhoid fever
• Insect born diseases
• parasitic diseases
• plague - risk for travelers is small
• toxoplasmosis
• HIV
• AIDS
• hepatitis B
• Lyme disease
• diptheria - endemic to the region

More Common Diseases and Medical Concerns for Latvia

The following health concerns or diseases are more commonly found in Latvia compared to the USA and other areas of the Western World:

• motor vehicle trauma - wear seatbelts and avoid night driving

Epidemics for Latvia

The following health concerns, diseases or comments are related to epidemics in Latvia:

• diptheria - since 1994

Less Common Diseases and Health Concerns for Latvia

The following health concerns or medical diseases are less commonly found in Latvia compared to the USA and other areas of the Western World:

• tick-borne encephalitis
• cestode (fish tapeworm) infection - avoid undercooked fish and roe

Uncommon or Rare Diseases and Medical Concerns for Latvia

These medical diseases or health concerns are uncommon or rare in Latvia:

• yellow fever - no risk although vaccination certificate may be required if coming from an infected area
• malaria - no current risk

Vaccinations for Travel to Latvia

The following medical vaccinations are desirable or helpful for travel to Latvia to prevent contagious diseases in Latvia:

• hepatitis A - or immune globulin (IG)
• hepatitis B - If you might be exposed to blood (for example, health-care workers), have sexual contact with the local population, stay longer than 6 months, or be exposed through medical treatment.
• rabies - if you might be exposed to wild or domestic animals through your work or recreation
• typhoid
• tetanus - booster dose as needed, diphtheria - booster dose as needed, measles - booster dose as needed, polio

Preventions or Health Precautions for Travel to Latvia

Any health risk of travel to Latvia may be reduced by the following precautionary health measures when visiting Latvia:

• high rate of motor vehicle trauma - avoid night driving and wear seatbelts
• mosquito bite prevention
• insect bite protection
• avoid drinking non-treated water - only drink bottled or canned water
• eat only thoroughly cooked food or fruits and vegetables you have peeled yourself
• to prevent fungal and parasitic infections, keep feet clean and dry, and do not go barefoot
• always use latex condoms to reduce the risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases
• don’t eat food purchased from street vendors
• don’t drink beverages with ice
• don’t share needles with anyone
• don’t handle animals (especially monkeys, dogs, and cats), to avoid bites and serious diseases (including rabies and plague - risk for travelers is small)
• don’t swim in fresh water. Salt water is usually safer
• use sunblock and take sunglasses and a hat

Other Relevant Issues for Travel to Latvia

The following may be issues relevant to travel to Latvia:

• adequate medical care is available in Riga but not to the standard of industrialized countries
• medical care is substandard throughout the rest of the country
• hospital beds are limited and modern technology is lacking
• those seeking permanent residency will be tested for HIV