Europe

The Form E111 is no longer valid. You should obtain a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before leaving the UK. The EHIC is not a substitute for medical and travel insurance, but entitles you to emergency medical treatment on the same terms as Latvian nationals. It also does not cover you for medical repatriation, on-going medical treatment or treatment of a non-urgent nature. For more general information see EHIC.

The Latvian State Infectology Centre has reported an increased number of Hepatitis A cases being admitted to hospital. As a precaution it is recommended that visitors be vaccinated against hepatitis A before arrival. Visitors should ensure that they follow general hygiene and sanitary measures to minimise the possibility of infection.

The incidence of mumps is on the increase and rabies is common. Tick-borne encephalitis is also common to Latvia, especially in the summer months.

In the 2008 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 10,000 adults aged 15 or over in Latvia were living with HIV; the prevalence rate was estimated at around 0.8% of the adult population. This compares to the prevalence rate in adults in the UK of around 0.2%. You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see HIV and AIDS.

You should seek medical advice before travelling to Latvia and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date. For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should visit the websites of the  NaTHNaC and NHS Scotland's Fit For Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.

Swine Flu

Visitors displaying symptoms or who believe they may be at risk of contracting Swine Flu should contact a local GP in the first instance .  A list of English speaking doctors is available at http://ukinlatvia.fco.gov.uk/en/help-for-british-nationals/when-things-go-wrong-lelde/if-you-need-doctor

There is a dedicated Swine Flu page on the FCO website.  Guidance on Pandemic Flu can  also be obtained on the UK Department of Health website: http://www.dh.gov.uk.

For more general health information see travel health.