Have Mosquito Transmitted Diseases Hindered Costa Rica Tourism in 2025

While the Republic of Costa Rica's Ministry of Health is a leader in disclosing mosquito-transmitted disease cases, the information may be contributing to the decline of tourism in this Central American country.

 As of June 19, 2025, the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT) data indicate that, since September 2024, eight of the last twelve months have seen fewer visitors.

For example, there was a 4.7% drop in air arrivals compared to May 2024.

The positive news from the ICT sector is that it projects a 2–4% growth for the remainder of 2025; however, challenges such as rising costs and safety concerns remain. 

As do reports of chikungunya, dengue, malaria, and even Zika cases in the mountains and beaches in 2025.

Furthermore, since April 2024, the Ministry of Health has reported a whooping cough outbreak in the Tibas district of San José.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the UK's Fit for Travel, visitors to Costa Rica may be exposed to mosquito-transmitted infectious diseases. As of June 19, 2025, the CDC recommends checking the travel vaccine list and seeing a healthcare provider at least a month before visiting Costa Rica.