Costa Rica’s Ministry of Health said that the country has confirmed its fourth positive case of chikungunya so far this year, based on results issued by INCIENSA.
The latest case involves a 52-year-old Costa Rican woman from Heredia who recently traveled to Nicaragua. Health officials said she entered Costa Rica during the virus’s incubation period, so the case is being classified as imported. The ministry said she is not currently experiencing complications.
With this new case, Costa Rica has now confirmed four chikungunya infections in 2026. The ministry said the three earlier cases were two in Esparza, Puntarenas, and one in Carrillo, Guanacaste. Officials also said Costa Rica had not registered circulation of the virus since 2017 before these cases appeared this year.
Chikungunya is a viral disease spread by mosquito bites. The Ministry of Health says common symptoms include high fever, joint pain and swelling, headache, nausea, and general discomfort.
Authorities said epidemiological surveillance remains active and that health teams are continuing mosquito-control measures aimed at preventing further spread. The ministry is urging people to use repellent, wear long sleeves, sleep under mosquito nets when needed, eliminate standing water around homes, and seek medical care quickly if symptoms appear.
The new confirmation comes as health officials keep a close watch on mosquito-borne illnesses during 2026, with the government again warning the public to rely on official channels for updates and prevention guidance.
