Health Alert \u2013 U.S. Embassy San Jos\u00e9, Costa Rica (October 23, 2026)\u00a0<\/p>\n
Location:\u00a0 Escaz\u00fa, San Jos\u00e9, Costa Rica\u00a0<\/p>\n
Event:\u00a0 On October 21, 2026, Costa Rica\u2019s Ministry of Health (MOH)\u00a0 reported an outbreak of Salmonella under investigation at Hospital CIMA in Escaz\u00fa, affecting hospital workers.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
To date, 66 suspected cases have been registered, two have been confirmed by laboratory testing, and two patients have been hospitalized.\u00a0 Laboratory analysis identified Salmonella spp. in the cases confirmed.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Reported symptoms include diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, and general malaise.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The MOH is working to identify the exposure common to those affected and the mechanism of transmission.\u00a0 Public reports to date describe cases among hospital workers.\u00a0 Foodborne transmission is a preliminary hypothesis only. No specific food has been identified, and the source of contamination has not been confirmed.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
Actions to take:\u202f\u00a0<\/p>\n
The U.S. Embassy has advised its personnel to consider alternative locations for medical care until the outbreak has been resolved.\u00a0 The U.S. Embassy website<\/a> contains a non-exhaustive list of hospitals and medical providers.\u00a0\u00a0
\u00a0<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Assistance:\u202f\u00a0<\/p>\n U.S. Embassy San Jos\u00e9, Costa Rica\u202f\u00a0<\/p>\n +506 2519-2000\u202f\u00a0<\/p>\n ACSSanJose@state.gov<\/a>\u202f\u00a0<\/p>\n https:\/\/cr.usembassy.gov\/<\/a>\u202f\u00a0<\/p>\n State Department \u2013 Consular Affairs\u202f\u00a0<\/p>\n +1 (888) 407-4747 or +1 (202) 501-4444\u202f\u00a0<\/p>\n Costa Rica International Travel Information<\/a>\u202f(travel.state.gov<\/a>)\u202f\u202f\u00a0<\/p>\n Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)<\/a>\u202fto\u202freceive\u202fsecurity updates.\u202f\u00a0<\/p>\n U.S. Embassy San Jose WhatsApp Channel<\/a>\u202f(mobile only)\u202f\u00a0<\/p>\n Follow us on\u202fFacebook<\/a>\u202fand\u202fX<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n
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Practice consistent hand hygiene with soap and water, especially after using the restroom and before preparing or eating food.\u00a0
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Keep raw and cooked foods separate, cook eggs, poultry, and meat thoroughly, and refrigerate perishable foods promptly.\u00a0
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Wash fruits and vegetables before consumption and avoid unpasteurized dairy products.\u00a0
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If you develop diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, or fever, maintain hydration with oral fluids and contact your medical provider for guidance.\u00a0
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Seek urgent evaluation for any of the following: persistent vomiting or inability to keep fluids down, signs of dehydration (decreased urination, dizziness, dry mouth), bloody stools, high or persistent fever, or symptoms lasting more than a few days. Infants, young children, older adults, pregnant individuals, and immuno-compromised individuals should be evaluated earlier.\u00a0
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Individuals with gastrointestinal illness should not prepare food for others while symptomatic.\u00a0
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In the case of a medical emergency, please call 911.\u00a0\u00a0
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