Tularemia cases rise in Latvia

Tularemia cases in Latvia have increased significantly this year, with 17 confirmed infections reported by the Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (SPKC). All confirmed patients required hospitalization. This represents a notable rise compared to the 11 cases recorded in 2025 and the seven cases documented between 2015 and 2024.

Tularemia is an acute bacterial zoonotic disease. The bacteria are carried by various animals, including rodents such as water voles and beavers, as well as rabbits. Transmission to humans occurs through contact with infected animals or their excrement, insect bites (such as ticks, mosquitoes, or black flies), consuming contaminated food or water, or inhaling dust containing the bacteria.

While the disease does not spread from person to person, the bacteria can persist in the environment for long periods. Symptoms often include sudden fever, chills, headache, and muscle pain, and can progress to skin ulcers or pneumonia. The mortality rate is approximately 2% with proper treatment, but can reach 5-15% without medical intervention. Most cases this year have been concentrated in the Zemgale and Riga regions.