World Country Guide

Food & drink
Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should have first been boiled or otherwise sterilised.

Other risks
Tick-borne encephalitis is present, particularly in forested areas. Campers and trekkers should wear protective clothing; immunisation is strongly advisable as reported cases have increased in recent years. Diphtheria and hepatitis A have been reported in the area. Diphyllobothriasis (fish tapeworm) can be ingested from freshwater fish caught around the Baltic Sea area. Tuberculosis has been reported and precautions are necessary.
Rabies is present. For those at high risk, vaccination before arrival should be considered. If you are bitten, seek medical advice without delay. For more information, consult the Health appendix.

Health care
The dental surgery at Stabu iela 9 has an emergency service from 2000-0800 and the reception of the City Clinical Hospital No 1 at Bruninieku iela 8 is open 24 hours. Health insurance is advised. A full range of medicines is available at pharmacies; however, it is advisable to bring any medicines necessary, as instructions on the packet are in Latvian, and familiar brands may not be available.