Location: Pavas, San Jose, Costa Rica
Event: On September 17, 2026, Costa Rica’s Ministry of Health declared an active chikungunya outbreak in Pavas, San Jose. Cases are concentrated in Villa Esperanza, Finca San Juan, Laureles, Pavas Centro, and Rohrmoser. The first identified cases had a travel history to Nicaragua. The Ministry of Health has since confirmed local transmission of the virus within the community. Local transmission means the virus is now circulating in the local mosquito population in that area, not just arriving via travelers. A total of 12 cases associated with this outbreak have been confirmed, with three classified as probable and three more pending results. So far in 2026, Costa Rica has reported 367 total cases, including this outbreak.
The chikungunya outbreak previously reported by the Ministry of Health in Playa Langosta, Guanacaste remains active. CDC maintains a Level 2 (Practice Enhanced Precautions) Travel Health Notice for Costa Rica related to this outbreak.
Symptoms to watch for include high fever above 102°F, joint pain and swelling, headache, nausea, and general malaise.
Actions to take:
Visit the CDC webpage on chikungunya virus. Seek medical attention if you develop symptoms consistent with chikungunya during or after travel to San Jose or Guanacaste. Take mosquito bite prevention precautions if you are traveling to San Jose or Guanacaste: use EPA-registered repellent (DEET, picaridin, or IR3535), wear long sleeves and pants when practical, and spend time in air conditioning or screened/mosquito-netted spaces. Eliminate standing water around any rental homes or accommodations, since Aedes mosquitoes breed in small containers of stagnant water. A chikungunya vaccine (Vimkunya) is FDA-approved and ACIP-recommended for eligible travelers aged 12 and older heading to a country or territory with an active outbreak, which includes Costa Rica. Travelers should consult a travel medicine provider regarding vaccination in addition to standard mosquito-bite precautions. Refer to our list of medical providers. Check with your travel insurance provider about medical evacuation options should you fall ill while overseas.
Assistance:
U.S. Embassy San Jose, Costa Rica
+506 2519-2000
State Department – Consular Affairs
+1 (888) 407-4747 or +1 (202) 501-4444
Costa Rica International Travel Information (travel.state.gov)
Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates.
U.S. Embassy San Jose WhatsApp Channel (mobile only)