The Ministry of Health in Costa Rica has advised travelers to ensure their measles vaccinations are up to date, following a sharp increase in cases across the Americas.
According to official data, Costa Rica reported only one case of measles in 2025. However, the number of confirmed cases in the region rose significantly from 466 in 2024 to 14,504 in 2025, marking a thirty-one-fold increase. The largest surges were seen in Mexico, Canada, the United States, and Bolivia. In January 2026 alone, Guatemala reported an additional 52 cases for a total of 128.
“El sarampión es una enfermedad altamente contagiosa, que se transmite por el aire al toser, estornudar o hablar, y se propaga con facilidad en lugares concurridos como aeropuertos, aviones, transporte público y sitios turísticos. El Ministerio de Salud insta a la población viajera a revisar su estado de vacunación antes de salir del país, especialmente si se dirige a destinos con circulación del virus,” stated the Ministry of Health.
Measles is known for its high transmission rate through airborne particles and can spread easily in crowded settings such as airports and public transportation. The ministry urges those traveling to affected countries to check their vaccination status before departure.
