The Ministry of Health has confirmed an imported case of measles in Pérez Zeledón, Costa Rica. The diagnosis was made by the National Virological Reference Center at INCIENSA. According to health authorities, an imported case is when a person contracts the disease outside the country and develops symptoms after entering Costa Rica.
The patient is a four-year-old girl from Mexico who did not have documented evidence of vaccination and had recently traveled from Mexico. She is currently recovering well, remains in home isolation, and has no complications. Three direct family contacts have been identified; all are asymptomatic.
Health officials, together with the Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS), immediately activated protocols for epidemiological investigation, contact tracing, and provided recommendations to relatives and neighbors. Surveillance efforts continue to prevent secondary cases and protect public health.
Costa Rica last reported an endemic measles case in 1999. Since then, there have been 15 confirmed cases either imported or linked to importation. The most recent imported case occurred in Guanacaste in 2025 but did not result in further transmission.
Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that begins with fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes before progressing to a skin rash that starts on the face and spreads across the body. It spreads through airborne droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks—especially in crowded places.
Vaccination remains the most effective preventive measure against measles. In Costa Rica’s official immunization schedule, children receive two doses of the MMR vaccine: one at 15 months old and another at four years old. Parents are urged to ensure their children’s vaccinations are up-to-date.
With rising measles cases across the Americas region, the Ministry advises travelers to check and update their vaccinations at least two weeks before departure. Anyone developing fever and rash between seven and twenty-one days after returning should seek medical attention promptly and report their travel history.
The Ministry emphasizes that keeping vaccinations current protects not only travelers but also their families and communities. People are encouraged to rely solely on official sources for information.
