Tuberculosis Discovered in a Foreign Worker at a Riga Kebab Shop

Tuberculosis has been discovered in a foreign worker - an Indian citizen - at a Riga kebab shop, as reported yesterday by the LTV program "Panorama".

Overall, Latvia ranks third in the European Union in terms of tuberculosis incidence, with approximately 300 cases of this disease being discovered annually. So far this year, 219 cases of tuberculosis have been identified, including 16 among foreigners. From India, where the prevalence of tuberculosis is very high, this is currently the only case.

The Center for Disease Prevention and Control (SPKC) has begun an epidemiological investigation into this case and the potential examination of the infected person's contacts. The infected person's coworkers, apartment mates, and study mates will be checked.

At the same time, SPKC indicated to the program that those who have eaten food prepared by the infected person are not at risk, as tuberculosis spreads through airborne droplets. The Food and Veterinary Service (PVD) has also started an inspection at the kebab shop where the infected person worked.

Photo: Paula Čurkste/LETA