Yellow Fever Confirmed in Costa Rica – Latest Update
- As of october 12, 2025, Costa Rican health authorities have confirmed a case of yellow fever in a 62-year-old man from the province of limón.
- Understanding Yellow Fever: Yellow fever is a viral disease transmitted by infected mosquitoes.
- The patient, residing in the Matina district, initially presented symptoms consistent with the disease.
Yellow Fever Case Confirmed in Costa Rica: What You Need to Know
Table of Contents
As of october 12, 2025, Costa Rican health authorities have confirmed a case of yellow fever in a 62-year-old man from the province of limón. This marks the first confirmed case in the contry in over a decade, prompting increased vigilance and public health measures.
How the Case Was Identified
The patient, residing in the Matina district, initially presented symptoms consistent with the disease. Suspicions were raised,and laboratory tests conducted by the Ministry of Health’s National Laboratory confirmed the presence of the yellow fever virus. The Ministry of health initiated an epidemiological examination on September 28, 2025, to determine the source of the infection and assess potential risks.
Symptoms and risks
Yellow fever symptoms typically develop 3-6 days after infection and include fever, headache, muscle pain, nausea, and vomiting.In certain specific cases, the disease progresses to a more severe form characterized by jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), bleeding, and organ failure. Approximately 15% of severe cases are fatal.
Early diagnosis and supportive care are crucial for managing yellow fever and improving patient outcomes.
Public Health Response
Costa Rican health officials are taking several steps to contain the situation.These include:
- enhanced surveillance for additional cases, particularly in Limón province.
- Increased mosquito control measures, including spraying and larval source reduction.
- Public awareness campaigns to educate residents about yellow fever, its transmission, and prevention.
- Reinforcing vaccination efforts, although a widespread vaccination campaign is not currently underway.
| Province | Confirmed Cases (as of Oct 12, 2025) |
|---|---|
| Limón | 1 |
| Other Provinces | 0 |
The Ministry of Health is committed to protecting the health of the population and preventing the spread of yellow fever. We urge residents to take precautions against mosquito bites and report any suspected cases to their local health authorities.
Prevention: Protecting Yourself from Yellow Fever
The most effective way to prevent yellow fever is vaccination. The yellow fever vaccine is safe and highly effective, providing lifelong immunity for most people. Other preventative measures include:
- Using insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or IR3535.
- Wearing long sleeves and pants, especially during peak mosquito activity hours.
- sleeping under mosquito nets.
- Eliminating standing water around your home, were mosquitoes can breed.
the situation is being closely monitored, and further updates will be provided as they become available.Staying informed and taking preventative measures are key to protecting yourself and your community.
“Data visualization showing yellow fever incidence rates in Costa Rica over the past 20 years would be beneficial here.“