Flood Risks: Waterborne Diseases & Safe Drinking Water Advice

Latvia is facing a serious measles outbreak, with the situation expected to worsen, according to Baiba Rozentāle, head of the Latvian Infectology Centre. The warning came during an interview on Latvian Television’s “Rīta panorāma” program on March 19, 2026, as reported by TVNET.

Rozentāle indicated that over 14,000 children under the age of 17 have not received any measles vaccinations, according to data from the Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (SPKC). She emphasized the highly contagious and severe nature of the disease, explaining that it spreads through the air from an infected person’s respiratory system and can remain viable for up to two hours.

The current outbreak is the first registered in Latvia since 2018. As of March 17, five measles cases had been identified, including three laboratory-confirmed cases – two among students and one in an adult – and two suspected cases also among students, with laboratory results pending. All confirmed cases are epidemiologically linked, according to SPKC representative Ilze Ūdre.

Authorities have identified at least 800 contact persons, encompassing individuals in educational institutions, families, public events, and international transport, highlighting the potential for widespread transmission.

Rozentāle noted that the situation, while serious, was anticipated, mirroring trends across Europe over the past decade due to declining vaccination rates. She also cautioned about the risks associated with floodwaters, explaining that various pathogens, including E. Coli, are present in the human gut. She stressed the importance of drinking boiled or bottled water, stating that boiling water effectively eliminates bacteria and viruses.

While acknowledging ongoing geopolitical concerns, Rozentāle also addressed the risk of imported tropical diseases. She reported that Latvia had four cases of Dengue fever in the previous year, all of which were successfully treated. Hemorrhagic fever, Dengue fever, and Chikungunya virus are not native to Latvia but are occasionally introduced by travelers.

In a separate interview with TV24 in December 2025, Rozentāle stated that the COVID-19 pandemic was over and that the virus was now considered a mild illness, typically without fever or body aches. She indicated that intensive COVID-19 vaccination was no longer necessary, particularly for individuals without underlying health conditions.