Sanitary Checkpoint Strengthened at Costa Rica's Southern Boarder

The Costa Rica Ministry of Health (MINSA) today announced it has strengthened health control measures in the province of Bocas del Toro, after a case of yellow fever was confirmed in October 2025. 

The measures include the implementation of a sanitary checkpoint and the intensification of epidemiological surveillance at border crossings, especially in Costa Rica's Guabito area.

The MINSA health alert (DM-RM-5785-2025) was issued on October 17, 2025, after Costa Rican authorities confirmed two imported cases of yellow fever in women from the jungle region of Peru. 

One of them had a complete vaccination schedule and did not present symptoms, while the other, without immunization, did develop the disease. This patient was discharged from the hospital after showing favorable clinical progress.

In addition, the institution urged the population to eliminate mosquito breeding sites in their homes and to maintain preventive measures, especially those planning to travel to or from countries where the virus is circulating.

The Ministry of Health reiterated that anyone entering the country from endemic areas must present an international yellow fever vaccination certificate or, if not, receive the corresponding dose upon arrival. 

Furthermore, MINSA Regional Director Daryl Palmore reported that the process of obtaining new doses of the yellow fever vaccine has begun to ensure its availability in the province and protect communities along the border.

Since 2017, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has expanded its yellow fever vaccine recommendations for certain travelers visiting at-risk zones. However, the CDC has not issed a Travel Health Notice regarding Costa Rica's recent yellow fever disclosures. 

In the USA, yellow fever vaccination services are commercailly offered at travel clinics and pharmacies in 2025.