Q COSTA RICA — Costa Rica is facing a sustained surge in dengue cases, with 385 new infections reported in just seven days, according to the latest Epidemiological Bulletin published by the Ministry of Health.
The official report recorded 3,437 cumulative cases of dengue in 2026, registering a sharp increase of 1,032 cases compared to the exact same period in 2025.
Furthermore, the epidemiological bulletin highlights that this upward trend necessitates continued active surveillance and the reinforcement of preventive measures throughout the country.
Similarly, the report, prepared by the Health Surveillance Directorate, specifies that the North Central region leads the list with 1,050 reported cases, while the Central Pacific region has the highest rate, with 240.2 infections per 100,000 inhabitants.
Other regions such as Chorotega and Huetar Caribe also show high numbers, exceeding 80 cases. The cantons of Alajuela, Orotina, and Grecia remain among the most affected, with 435, 398, and 339 cases, respectively.
According to the Ministry of Health, 58 of the reported cases meet the criteria for dengue with warning signs. The San Rafael Hospital in Alajuela and the Víctor Manuel Sanabria Hospital report five people hospitalized as of August 24, indicating the presence of moderate to severe clinical cases in at least part of the affected population.
Symptoms and Warning Signs
Dengue is a viral infection transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito. Its initial symptoms include:
- Sudden high fever
- Intense muscle and joint pain
- Headache
- General malaise
- Nausea and sometimes skin rashes.
The health authority warns that certain signs may indicate a serious case of dengue, such as severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, bleeding gums or nosebleeds, drowsiness or irritability, and difficulty breathing. If these symptoms appear, the official recommendation is to go to a health center immediately.
Prevention: Keys to Avoiding Infection
The Epidemiological Bulletin details that, during week 31, Vector Control personnel visited more than 13,000 homes, identified 676 homes with mosquito breeding sites, and treated more than 43,000 water containers.
In addition, more than 16,000 potential breeding sites were eliminated, and nearly 38,000 homes were fumigated. Year-to-date, these actions have resulted in over half a million homes fumigated, reflecting the institutional effort to contain the outbreak.
The Ministry of Health emphasizes the importance of public cooperation by:
- Eliminating mosquito breeding sites in and around homes.
- Covering tanks and containers where water is stored.
- Changing the water in flower vases and pet water bowls at least twice a week.
- Keep gutters, drains, and roofs clean to prevent waterlogging.
- Apply insect repellent and wear long-sleeved clothing in areas where mosquitoes are present.
- Install screens on doors and windows.
According to the Ministry of Health, vector control efforts and community participation are expected to continue in the coming weeks, with special attention to the cantons with the highest incidence and the most vulnerable population groups.