Chikungunya Confirmed in Costa Rica's Mountains

When vacationing in Costa Rica this winter, it's best to avoid mountainous areas where mosquitos are transmitting diseases to people.

The Costa Rica Health Department's Boletín Epidemiológico N°36 was posted on September 20, 2024. It confirms that mosquito-transmitted Chikungunya, Dengue, Malaria, or Zika virus infections have occurred this year and vary by location. 

For example, 30 chikungunya infections have been reported this year, led by the Central Norte, Pacifico Central, and Central Sur regions. Last year, 82 chikungunya cases were confirmed in Costa Rica.

As of 2024, Canada, the United Kingdom, the World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO), and the U.S. CDC have issued travel advisories and vaccine recommendations for Costa Rica.

The CDC recommends checking the recommended vaccine list and seeing a healthcare provider at least a month before  visiting Costa Rica. In particular, the CDC now endorses Valneva SE's IXCHIQ® monovalent, single-dose vaccine when visiting Chikungunya endemic areas.

Additionally, the U.S. Embassy in San Jose publishes health topics and recommends visitors enroll in NEWSMART to make it easier to contact you during an emergency while in Costa Rica.