Latvia has officially declared the start of its annual influenza epidemic, with health authorities warning of a sharp spike in flu cases and urging the public to get vaccinated immediately.
On December 9, Latvia’s Center for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) announced that the country has crossed the epidemic threshold for influenza, based on data from the National Microbiology Reference Laboratory (NMRL). From December 1 to 7, the share of positive flu tests jumped to 18.1%, more than doubling from 9.1% the week before — a rise that exceeds the epidemic threshold by 10 percentage points.
Why This Is a Real Epidemic
The CDC emphasized that this isn’t just a seasonal uptick — it’s a full-blown epidemic. The jump in positive tests, combined with increased flu-related doctor visits and hospitalizations, triggered the official declaration as of Tuesday, December 9.
Experts stress that the flu poses the greatest risk to
older adults, people with chronic conditions (like heart, lung, or kidney disease, diabetes, or weakened immune systems),
young children, and pregnant women. Latvia’s CDC is now urging these high-risk groups to prioritize vaccination, but also reminds the general public that it’s
not too late to get protected.
Vaccination Still the Best Shield
Despite the epidemic being underway, health officials say vaccination remains the most effective way to reduce severe illness, hospitalization, and death. Immunity typically develops within
10 to 14 days after vaccination, and flu circulation in Latvia usually continues into
late May.
The CDC is now pushing for wider access to flu shots and is working with regional clinics to expand vaccination campaigns, especially in schools, nursing homes, and workplaces. They’re also reminding people that flu and COVID-19 vaccines can be administered at the same time, making it easier to stay protected against both.
Other Key Developments in Latvia
While the flu epidemic dominates public health headlines, Latvia is also active on several other fronts:
Foreign Minister in Washington
From December 8–9, Latvia’s Foreign Minister
Baiba Braže was on a working visit to Washington, D.C., where she met with U.S. officials to discuss
NATO cooperation, support for Ukraine, and regional security in the Baltic Sea. The visit underscores Latvia’s continued push for strong transatlantic ties amid ongoing tensions with Russia.
2026 Budget Passed
Latvia’s parliament, the Saeima, wrapped up a two-day debate and passed the
2026 state budget on December 4. The budget includes increased spending on defense, with Latvia’s defense budget now set to
exceed 2 billion euros — a major step toward meeting NATO’s
5% of GDP defense spending target.
Regional Cooperation with Estonia
On the cross-border front, the newly formed coalition in Estonia’s southern town of
Valga (which borders Latvia’s Valka) has announced plans to
deepen cooperation with Latvia. The joint town, once a single city called Walk, is now pushing for closer economic, cultural, and administrative ties between the two countries.
Science and Tech News
In a boost for Latvian innovation, a
high-speed laser pulse power sensor developed by Latvian scientists has been added to the product catalogue of a leading European photonics company. The technology is expected to be used in advanced laser systems for research and industry.
What This Means for the Public
For ordinary Latvians, the flu epidemic declaration is a clear signal:
get vaccinated now. The CDC is advising people to:
- Avoid crowded indoor spaces when possible
- Practice good hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette
- Stay home when sick to avoid spreading the virus
Hospitals and clinics are preparing for increased patient loads, and schools are being advised to monitor absenteeism and reinforce hygiene measures.
Looking Ahead
With flu season expected to last for several months, Latvia’s health authorities will continue to publish weekly monitoring reports. The government is also evaluating whether additional public health measures — such as targeted school closures or workplace guidance — may be needed in the coming weeks.
For now, the message is simple:
the flu is spreading fast, but protection is still within reach.
Sources
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2. News - Ārlietu ministrija
3. Newsroom - Latvia
4. Latvia declares start of influenza epidemic, advises vaccination
5. Latvia: Foreign Minister on working visit to United States | Via Baltica
6. Latvia's man shortage has sparked a strange new industry
7. Latvian Foreign Minister on U.S. visit, sees Stallone and KISS get ...
8. News in simple Latvian: 9th December, 2025
