Latvia

MAIN HEALTH RISKS

• The rapid spreading of AIDS, linked with the progress of drug addiction, becomes a major concern of health authorities.
• There are cases of animal rabies in the country.

FOOD SAFETY

• It is highly recommended not to drink tap water, which is not drinkable in most of the districts of Riga and in the whole country.
• Gastric diseases are common among tourists who are not accustomed to local food or who do not take precautions.
• Do not drink tap water and favor bottled mineral water, without ice ; avoid eating ice cream and sherbet.
• Avoid eating raw or undercooked dishes, especially meat or fish. If possible, order hot dishes.
• Bring anti-diarrhea medication with you.
• Wash your hands thoroughly before each meal.

IMMUNIZATIONS AND MEDICATION

• No specific immunization is required from travelers entering the country.
Systematically:
• Hepatitis A: the vaccination is available for children at least one year old. For persons who were born before 1945, who have spent their childhood in a developing country or who have had an icterus, it may prove useful to search previously for serous antibodies in order to avoid an unnecessary shot.
• Hepatitis B: the vaccination is available for children at least two months old.
• Diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis: get a booster shot before leaving if your last shot is more than ten years old.



Depending on the duration and conditions of the trip:
• Rabies: recommended for long stays in isolation. The immunization should be given to children as soon as they are able to walk.
• Tick-borne encephalitis: for stays in rural areas or for hikers. The immunization is available for children at least one year old.
• Tuberculosis: in case of a long stay, it is recommended to have children immunized against tuberculosis as soon as they reach the age of one month, and against mumps, measles and rubella when they reach the age of nine months.

HEALTH INFRASTRUCTURES

Riga
• Hospital n° 7 "Gailezers", 2 rue Hipokrata: phone + 371 704 24 46 and + 371 704 24 24
• Ars Clinic, 5 Skolas iela: phone + 371 720 1007, fax + 371 728 8769

EMERGENCY CONTACTS

• Firemen: 01
• Police : 02
• Ambulances: 03

CLIMATE

• The climate is continental inside the country and slightly eased on the coasts thanks to the maritime influence of the Baltic sea.
• Summer is relatively hot in Latvia, winter is cold, even freezing.
• Latvia is muddy during spring because of the thaw.
• When to go: Between June and September.