Due to Spill from Sewage Treatment Plant in Latvia it is Advised Against Swimming in Baltic Sea
Specialists from the National Public Health Centre, responding to the news that have appeared in the media about a large spill of untreated waste into the Baltic Sea, advise holidaymakers from Lithuania enjoying in Latvia against swimming in the Baltic Sea.
Heavily contaminated water cannot get purified by itself and water contaminated by organic substances creates favourable conditions for various pathogens (viruses, bacteria, protozoan cysts, worm eggs) to remain viable for a long time and even reproduce.
Holidaymakers are advised against swimming in contaminated water bodies, as many pathogens can enter the human body through the digestive tract and there is a risk of intestinal infectious diseases, allergic rashes, and skin redness. In contaminated water disease-causing bacteria (Campylobacter, Salmonella typhi, etc.), viruses, protozoa, helminths and their eggs can multiply.
NPHC does not have information about contamination of the Baltic Sea in the territory of Lithuania yet. According to the published information by Latvian authorities, water contamination at Latvian swimming beaches close to the site of the sewage discharge has not exceeded the limits for swimming (https://www.liepaja.lv/attirisanas-iekartas/?fbclid=IwAR2P0K6dutM7UF-bZs3_ZjTdFdsUjLDonLALbzp18HFy65gbUpIismYF3Mo).
For the time being, we recommend following the information regarding swimming at Lithuanian swimming beaches by the Baltic Sea provided by lifeguards.
Last updated: 25-07-2023
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