Health Alert – U.S. Embassy San José, Costa Rica (September 25, 2026)
Location: Costa Rica
Event: On September 18, 2026, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a new Level 1 Travel Health Notice for Hepatitis A in Costa Rica due to an outbreak of this disease in the country. As of September 18, 2026, the Costa Rica Ministry of Health reports 772 confirmed cases, most of which are in San José province.
Hepatitis A is a vaccine-preventable liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). HAV is spread when someone ingests the virus, even in small amounts. This usually occurs through close personal contact with an infected person (e.g., using drugs with, caring for, or having certain sexual contact with someone who is infected with HAV) or by consuming contaminated food or water.
Symptoms may include dark urine or clay-colored stools, diarrhea, fatigue, fever, joint pain, loss of appetite, nausea, abdominal pain, or jaundice (yellow skin or whites of the eyes). Some people, particularly young children, may not have symptoms. Symptoms generally begin 2 to 4 weeks after initial exposure (range 15 to 50 days) and typically resolve within 2 months, though some people can feel sick for up to 6 months. People with a weakened immune system, chronic liver disease, and people over the age of 60 years are at greater risk for severe disease. There is no specific treatment for HAV; most people recover fully with rest and fluids.
Actions to take:
Seek medical attention if you develop symptoms consistent with hepatitis A during or after travel to Costa Rica.
Ensure that you are vaccinated against hepatitis A. If you cannot get vaccinated, your doctor may recommend a medicine called immune globulin which can provide protection for up to 2 months.
Practice good hand hygiene by thoroughly washing hands before preparing or eating food and after activities such as using the bathroom, caring for someone with an infection, and changing diapers.
Avoid sharing needles, syringes, or other drug equipment.
Seek medical care if you develop dark urine or clay-colored stools, diarrhea, fatigue, fever, joint pain, loss of appetite, nausea, abdominal pain, or jaundice (yellow skin or eyes) during or after travel in Costa Rica.
If you think you have been exposed to HAV and haven’t previously received hepatitis A vaccine, talk to your doctor about a prevention measure called post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). PEP should be administered as soon as possible within 2 weeks of exposure to HAV.
Assistance:
U.S. Embassy San José, 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)
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U.S. Embassy San Jose WhatsApp Channel (mobile only)