Costa Rica Confronts Chikungunya, Dengue, and Zika Outbreaks in 2024

When visiting the Republic of Costa Rica in 2024, international guests may be exposed to mosquito-transmitted diseases such as chikungunya, dengue, or zika.

This health concern has not fazed international travelers, as about 2.4 million people arrived in 2023, a 16% increase over 2022.

On September 6, 2024, the Costa Rica Ministry of Health published Epidemiological Bulletin No. 34, highlighting various health risks, such as the following:

There have been 28 chikungunya infections reported this year. In 2023, there were 82 chikungunya cases confirmed. From a prevention perspective, Valneva SE's IXCHIQ® vaccine is now approved in various countries, including the U.S.

Costa Rica has been included in the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) latest Travel Health Advisory, which confirmed that dengue fever is classified as high risk and is a year-round health risk. Over 19,900 dengue cases were confirmed in Costa Rica in 2024, and 24,914 were reported in 2023.

Takeda's QDENGA® dengue vaccine is available in various countries in 2024.

This Central American country has also reported 23 Zika cases in 2024, with 40 cases confirmed in 2023. No Zika vaccines are available anywhere in 2024.

Furthermore, as the 2024-2025 respiratory season approaches, Costa Rica is launching a vaccination campaign against influenza and rhinovirus. The Tico Times reported the country plans to administer 1.5 million vaccines.

To alert travelers of these health risks, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the U.S. CDC have issued travel advisories and vaccine recommendations for Costa Rica.

The CDC recommends checking its recommended travel vaccine list and seeing a healthcare provider at least a month before visiting Costa Rica.