Mosquito Borne Infections in Costa Rica

The Costa Rica Health Department advises travellers to avoid mountainous areas this winter where mosquitos transmit chikungunya, dengue, malaria, and Zika. The risk will vary from place to place, but transmission of these infections has increased. Affected regions include Central Norte, Pacifico Central, and Central Sur. Canada, the United Kingdom, the World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO), and the U.S. CDC have issued travel advisories and vaccine recommendations for Costa Rica.

Advice

The risk of exposure to these infectious agents will vary from place to place. To reduce the risk of acquiring chikungunya, dengue and Zika take all necessary precautions to avoid mosquito bites when visiting these areas. For prevention of malaria, travellers to any region where malaria transmission is occurring should take anti-malaria medication in addition to avoiding mosquito bites, e.g., use mosquito repellent and sleep under insecticide-impregnated bed nets whenever mosquitoes are present. Talk to your doctor about which malaria medication you should take.