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Travel Advisory Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution Travel Advisory Level 2: Exercise increased caution in Costa Rica due to\u00a0crime. Read More…<\/a><\/p>\n
<\/p>\n Worldwide Caution: The Department of State advises Americans worldwide to exercise increased caution.<\/p>\n Americans in the Middle East should follow the latest guidance from the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.<\/p>\n Americans who need assistance: call 24\/7 at +1-202-501-4444 (from abroad) and +1-888-407-4747 (from the U.S. and Canada)<\/p>\n Read alerts for U.S. Citizens<\/p>\n Local Emergency Information and Contacts<\/p>\n Visit Travel.State.gov for More Information<\/a>
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<\/p>\n Health Alert \u2013 U.S. Embassy San Jose, Costa Rica (July 13, 2026)<\/p>\n Location: \u00a0Playa Langosta, Santa Cruz, Guanacaste, Costa Rica<\/p>\n Event: \u00a0On July 1, 2026, Costa Rica\u2019s Ministry of Health declared an active chikungunya outbreak in Playa Langosta. \u00a0Of 45 suspected cases investigated, 4 were confirmed and 17 were classified as probable. \u00a0Cases include both Costa Rican nationals and foreigners. \u00a0So far in 2026, Costa Rica has reported 16 total cases, including this outbreak.<\/p>\n Local transmission means the virus is now circulating in the local mosquito population in that area, not just arriving via travelers. \u00a0Playa Langosta and the surrounding Guanacaste coast are common destinations for U.S. citizens.<\/p>\n Symptoms to watch for include high fever above 102\u00b0F, joint pain and swelling, headache, nausea, and general malaise.<\/p>\n Actions to take:\u00a0<\/p>\n
Visit the CDC webpage<\/a> 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.
\u00a0<\/p>\n Assistance:<\/p>\n U.S. Embassy San Jose, Costa Rica<\/p>\n +506 2519-2000<\/p>\n ACSSanJose@state.gov<\/a><\/p>\n https:\/\/cr.usembassy.gov\/<\/a><\/p>\n State Department \u2013 Consular Affairs<\/p>\n +1 (888) 407-4747 or +1 (202) 501-4444<\/p>\n Costa Rica International Travel Information<\/a>\u00a0(travel.state.gov<\/a>)<\/p>\n Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)<\/a>\u00a0to\u00a0receive\u00a0security updates.<\/p>\n U.S. Embassy San Jose WhatsApp Channel<\/a>\u00a0(mobile only)<\/p>\n Follow us on\u202fFacebook<\/a>\u202fand\u202fX<\/a><\/p>\n
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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.
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