The first measles outbreak in Latvia since 2018 has been recorded, according to Ilze Ūdre, a representative of the Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (SPKC).
She noted that the SPKC is conducting an epidemiological investigation of the outbreak and organizing infection control measures.
As of the 17th of March, five measles cases have been registered, including three laboratory-confirmed cases — two among schoolchildren and one adult — as well as two suspected cases in schoolchildren, with laboratory results still pending. All registered cases are epidemiologically linked.
According to Ūdre, the number of identified contacts is very large — at least 800 people. These include contacts identified in educational institutions, as well as individuals outside them, such as in patients’ families, public events, international transport, and elsewhere.
Ūdre also acknowledged that the risk of further spread of the infection,
particularly among unvaccinated individuals, is considered high. Moreover, it is not possible to identify all contacts, especially incidental contacts in public places.
Recommendations have been provided to contacts, including guidance on what to do in case of illness, including self-isolation. Information necessary for medical monitoring of contacts is being shared with family doctors. This includes monitoring symptoms, conducting laboratory testing if necessary, and assessing vaccination status.
The SPKC has also distributed methodological materials to healthcare professionals and hospitals to reinforce awareness of measles diagnosis, surveillance, and prevention, as the effectiveness of infection control measures depends on how quickly cases are identified, reported to the SPKC, and addressed.
Ūdre pointed out that, unlike in several other European Union countries, the situation in Latvia in recent years has been relatively favorable.
In 2025, one imported measles case was confirmed, with the individual infected abroad.
Similarly, one imported case was recorded in 2023.
Between 2020 and 2022, no measles cases were registered in Latvia, while in 2019, three cases were recorded.
The most recent measles outbreaks in Latvia occurred in 2018, with 25 cases, and in 2014, with 36 cases.
Ūdre emphasized that measles is a vaccine-preventable disease, and vaccination is the only effective way to protect against infection and prevent outbreaks.
Although every child in Latvia is entitled to state-funded measles vaccination, SPKC data show that approximately 14,000 children — or about 4% of those aged one to 17 — have not received a single measles vaccine dose. This represents a significant number of non-immune children, which can contribute to chains of infection and increase the risk of outbreaks, especially considering the spread of the disease in other countries and international travel, the SPKC representative noted.
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that spreads primarily through airborne droplets,
which can remain in indoor air. As a result, infection can occur not only through direct contact with an infected person but also by being in a space where a measles patient has been within the previous two hours.
If symptoms characteristic of measles appear — such as fever, runny nose, cough, red eyes, followed by a red blotchy rash — the SPKC advises staying at home, contacting a doctor, informing them about possible exposure, and strictly following medical advice.
LETA previously reported that on Saturday, the 14th of March, the SPKC received notification of one laboratory-confirmed measles case. The centre called on individuals who may have been in contact with the patient to come forward.
The centre indicated that infection may have occurred on the 21st and the 22nd of February in Riga at the event “Ļutaurus quiz.” Epidemiological investigation also showed that the infected individual flew from Riga to Turkey on the 5th of March on flight TK1758. The SPKC has informed the relevant Turkish authorities in order to identify potentially exposed passengers.
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