More than 500 malaria tests were conducted this week in Los Chiles, Costa Rica, as part of ongoing efforts by the Ministry of Health to protect the population from the disease. The tests, which targeted a priority area near the border, did not detect any positive cases, according to health authorities. This outcome is seen as an indicator of increased safety for local communities.
Preventive activities are scheduled to continue through Friday, January 30, with officials aiming to surpass 1,000 tests in total. The goal is early detection of possible cases and reducing the risk of malaria transmission.
In 2025, Costa Rica carried out 142,255 malaria tests nationwide. Of these, 1,633 were performed with assistance from Volunteer Collaborators (Colvol). During that year, there were 29 reported cases of local transmission. This marks a significant drop compared to the 244 cases recorded in 2024.
The Ministry of Health emphasized preventive measures for residents: “To reduce the possibility of contagion, the Ministry of Health reminds the population about the importance of using mosquito nets while sleeping, applying repellent daily, wearing protective clothing against bites and seeking medical attention if symptoms appear.”
Both the Ministry of Health and the Costa Rican Social Security Fund continue active surveillance and detection efforts throughout Costa Rica to safeguard public health.
