The Ministry of Health announced on April 15 that Costa Rica has confirmed its fourth chikungunya case of the year, according to results from the Costa Rican Institute for Research and Teaching in Nutrition and Health (INCIENSA).
The announcement matters because it marks a reappearance of the viral disease in the country after several years without reported cases. The patient is a 52-year-old Costa Rican woman from Heredia who recently traveled to Nicaragua. According to an epidemiological investigation, she entered Costa Rica during the virus incubation period, so her infection is classified as an imported case. The ministry said she currently does not have any health complications.
Chikungunya fever is a viral illness transmitted by mosquito bites. There had been no circulation of this virus in Costa Rica since 2017; however, three previous cases have been confirmed earlier this year: two in Esparza, Puntarenas, and one in Carrillo, Guanacaste.
The Ministry of Health said it continues active epidemiological surveillance and coordination efforts to control mosquito populations with the aim of protecting residents and preventing further spread of chikungunya.
“El Ministerio de Salud reafirma su compromiso con la prevención y la atención oportuna de las enfermedades, e insta a la población a informarse únicamente a través de los canales oficiales,” said the ministry.
Officials encourage people to stay informed through official channels as part of ongoing efforts to prevent additional cases.
