Another Chikungunya Case Confirmed in Costa Rica

Health officials recently confirmed the third positive case of chikungunya in Costa Rica for 2026, based on laboratory results from the Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social.

The Costa Rican Ministry of Health reported in April 2026 that a 45-year-old foreign national living in Guanacaste province entered the country during the virus's incubation period.

This new case follows two earlier cases reported in January 2026 in the Esparza canton of Puntarenas province. In contrast, Costa Rica recorded only 7 chikungunya cases in 2025.

The Central American country has seen significant declines in other vector-borne illnesses in 2025 due to intensified control efforts:

- Dengue: Approximately 3,983 cases reported through mid-September, representing an 82.5% decrease compared to the same period in 2024.

- Malaria: A total of 53 cases were reported for the entire year, with only 8 locally transmitted cases, marking a reduction of over 94% from 2024.

- Zika: Around 11 cases reported by July, down from 32 in 2024.

Additionally, cases of New World screwworm myiasis have been reported in countries where it had previously been eliminated, including Costa Rica.

The Ministry of Health is urging residents and visitors to eliminate standing water, use repellents, and take personal protection measures to prevent local transmission of these viruses.

As of April 13, 2026, the U.S. CDC has not issued a Travel Health Notice for Costa Rica, but it does offer travel vaccination advice.