Health Alert – U.S. Embassy San Jose, Costa Rica (July 13, 2026) – U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica
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Health Alert – U.S. Embassy San Jose, Costa Rica (July 13, 2026)
Location: Playa Langosta, Santa Cruz, Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Event: On July 1, 2026, Costa Rica’s Ministry of Health declared an active chikungunya outbreak in Playa Langosta. Of 45 suspected cases investigated, 4 were confirmed and 17 were classified as probable. Cases include both Costa Rican nationals and foreigners. So far in 2026, Costa Rica has reported 16 total cases, including this outbreak.
Local transmission means the virus is now circulating in the local mosquito population in that area, not just arriving via travelers. Playa Langosta and the surrounding Guanacaste coast are common destinations for U.S. citizens.
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 Guanacaste.
Take mosquito bite prevention precautions if you are traveling to Guanacaste, particularly the Santa Cruz area: 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.
There is no vaccine widely available or recommended at this time for routine traveler use; prevention through bite avoidance remains the primary defense.
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)
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