Tuberculosis Found in Indian Worker at Riga Kebab Shop
An Indian national working at a kebab shop in Riga has been diagnosed with tuberculosis, and the Disease Prevention and Control Centre has opened an epidemiological investigation. The Food and Veterinary Service is inspecting the business where he worked.
An Indian national working at a kebab shop in Riga has been diagnosed with tuberculosis, Latvian Television's programme “Panorāma” reported on Wednesday, 28 October. The Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (SPKC), which monitors the spread of infectious diseases in Latvia, has launched an epidemiological investigation. The Food and Veterinary Service (PVD) is inspecting the catering business where the man worked.
Checks on contacts
SPKC is also screening the patient's possible contacts. His co-workers, as well as his flatmates and fellow students, will be checked.
The centre told the programme that people who ate food prepared by the patient are not at risk, because tuberculosis spreads through airborne droplets.
The patient's condition
The Indian national was found on the street on Friday and taken to hospital. His condition is currently serious, but this may be linked not to tuberculosis but to the use of some prohibited substances.
Tuberculosis in Latvia
Latvia ranks third in the European Union for tuberculosis incidence. About 300 cases of the disease are detected each year. So far this year, 219 cases have been identified, including 16 among foreign nationals. This is reportedly the only case so far from India, where tuberculosis prevalence is very high.
