The Health Inspectorate (VI) in Latvia has issued an advisory to residents in flood-affected regions, stressing the importance of ensuring safe drinking water during and after flood events. The advisory points out that centralized water supply systems provide better protection against contamination compared to individual sources, such as wells, which are at greater risk of being tainted by floodwaters.

During flooding, wells and basements can become inundated with surface water and sewage, posing serious health risks. The inspectorate highlights that a range of acute intestinal infections, including dysentery, hepatitis A, leptospirosis carried by rodents, and less common diseases like cholera, typhoid, and polio can arise from the consumption of contaminated water. To mitigate these risks, the VI recommends using boiled or bottled water for drinking and cooking purposes.

Moreover, the Health Inspectorate encourages the public to exercise personal hygiene when accessing flooded areas, such as basements or vegetable storage sites, by wearing gloves and washing hands afterward. The emphasis on preventive measures is critical to safeguarding public health during this challenging period, particularly as communities work towards recovery from the disaster.