Travelers heading to Costa Rica are being advised to exercise caution following a new warning from U.S. health officials regarding chikungunya, a virus transmitted by mosquitoes.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released a Level 2 Travel Health Notice specifically for Guanacaste Province. This area, especially Playa Langosta—a well-known beach spot—has seen the majority of reported cases.
Guanacaste is famous for its beautiful beaches, surfing, and hiking opportunities, making it a top choice for tourists visiting Costa Rica.
The CDC recommends that travelers take measures to avoid mosquito bites while in this region.
Chikungunya typically causes fever and joint pain following an infected mosquito bite, as detailed in the CDC’s advisory. Symptoms can surface three to seven days post-bite, including headaches, muscle pain, swollen joints, and sometimes a rash.
While most individuals recover within a week, the CDC cautions that a number of patients may experience ongoing joint pain for months or even years after the initial illness.
As of now, there is no specific treatment for chikungunya, so prevention is the best approach.
To minimize the risks, the CDC suggests using insect repellent, donning long sleeves and pants, and opting for places with air conditioning and window screens. Additionally, vaccination is encouraged for those eligible who will be in endemic regions.
In response to the outbreak, Costa Rica’s Ministry of Health has confirmed four cases, with 17 others potentially linked, involving both locals and tourists.
To control the situation, specialized teams have fumigated around 5,000 homes and worked on eliminating mosquito breeding sites.
The CDC also advises pregnant women to reconsider travel to affected areas, particularly if they are nearing delivery, since the virus can pass to newborns before and after birth.
Travelers who experience fever, joint pain, or similar symptoms during or after their trip should seek medical attention promptly.
This advisory comes as part of an ongoing series of warnings regarding chikungunya around the world. Earlier this year, the CDC had issued a similar Level 2 Travel Health Notice for Bolivia and other regions facing outbreaks.
