Costa Rica's Dengue Outbreak Includes Beaches

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) recently confirmed the Aedes aegypti mosquito is the primary source of dengue transmission in Limón, Costa Rica, including the coastlines along the Caribbean Sea.

As of January 30, 2023, the PAHO's data dashboard indicates 18 dengue cases have been confirmed this year, with about 7,400 in 2022.

Geographically, this dengue outbreak has impacted Talamanca and Guacimo areas.

In the Region of the Americas, 46 countries and territories reported dengue cases in 2022.

While the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Level-1 Travel Advisory in 2022 does not identify Costa Rica as a dengue risk, it says this mosquito-spreading disease is an ongoing risk in many parts of Central America, Mexico, and the Caribbean.

However, the UK's National Travel Health Network and Centre website confirm dengue fever risks will continue in Costa Rica this year. And the number of reported cases of dengue is increasing.

The worst affected areas are Limon and Puntarenas.

If you're in Costa Rica, you should take steps to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes, says the UK.

Furthermore, dengue is a vaccine-preventable disease, with two authorized vaccines available in certain countries in 2023. 

Local media (Costa Rica Star) recently reported Sanofi Pasteur's Dengvaxia® vaccine is sold in pharmacies in Costa Rica for approximately $130. Three doses are required to fully protect people against the serotypes found in the country in 2023.