No menu items!

COSTA RICA'S LEADING ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER

HomeNewsCosta RicaCosta Rica remains under sanitary alert due to respiratory illnesses

Costa Rica remains under sanitary alert due to respiratory illnesses

Costa Rica remains under a sanitary alert due to higher-than-expected cases of respiratory illnesses, the Health Ministry says.

The organization, which first issued the bulletin in June, said in a follow-up last week that people in Costa Rica should continue taking cautionary measures to reduce the likelihood of sickness.

The National Children’s Hospital is reporting an average of 75 hospitalizations each week for respiratory causes. Last week, 25 patients presented in serious condition.

The Health Ministry issued the following note on its website:

There is a need for extreme hygiene measures and other preventive actions, especially for parents or guardians of children under one year of age: 

  • Avoid areas of public gathering.
  • Avoid contact between minors and sick people.
  • Exercise correct hand washing habits with soap and water.
  • Exercise recommended techniques when coughing or sneezing.
  • Clean surfaces regularly.
  • If you are sick, stay home and do not visit other people.
  • Continue to breastfeed, if applicable. 
  • Avoid smoking in front of children.
  • Do not abandon treatment in case of asthmatic children

Hygiene measures are also vital for the protection of adults, given that at this time of year the cases of influenza increase.

Trending Now

The Costa Rica I Remember From the 1990s

Lately I have seen an abundance of AI-generated clips portraying happy scenes of how life was back in the day. One shows Christmas 1985,...

Costa Rica’s President Praises Diablo Capture and Defends Cutting the Courts That Made It

President Laura Fernández Delgado has spent the days since Costa Rica's most significant arrest in a decade making two arguments at once. She has...

Jabiru Count Brings Hope for Costa Rica’s Threatened Wetlands

Costa Rica’s latest national jabiru count recorded nine active nests and 19 chicks during the 2026 breeding season, offering cautious hope for one of...

Rare Costa Rica Video Shows Sunbittern Defending Its Ground

Today we meet the sunbittern, a unique bird that’s nearly impossible to see until it screams its presence at you. And the remiges? Don’t...

Costa Rica Cuts 2026 Growth Forecast as El Niño Raises Cost Risks

Costa Rica’s Central Bank has lowered its economic growth forecast for 2026 as weaker exports, slower household demand and the expected effects of El...

Costa Rica Approves Sharp Drop in Super Gasoline and Diesel Prices

Drivers in Costa Rica will soon pay substantially less for super gasoline and diesel after regulators approved fuel-price reductions of up to ₡79 per...

Costa Rica Chikungunya Cases Spread Inland as CDC Refreshes Travel Notice

The CDC refreshed its Costa Rica chikungunya notice on July 30, but Health Ministry data now puts a second cluster well inland of the province it names.

Costa Rica Investigates Jaguar Pelt Seized in Heredia Raid

An apparent jaguar pelt found inside a home during raids against a violent criminal group has opened a separate wildlife investigation alongside an organized...

Costa Rica Tax Bill Would Allow Seizures Without Prior Court Approval

The Finance Ministry has asked Congress for the power to order, execute and auction seizures of a delinquent taxpayer's assets without first obtaining permission...
🌴 The Weekly Pura Vida

Costa Rica, Once a Week

The week's top stories, weather & insider tips — delivered every Sunday. One email, zero clutter.

🔒 Free. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

Loading…

Latest News from Costa Rica

Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Car Rentals
Costa Rica Travel Insurance
Costa Rica Travel