Costa Rica confirmed two mpox cases in San José, prompting health authorities to activate epidemiological surveillance, case investigations and contact tracing. The patients are two men, ages 25 and 55. One case was reported in Desamparados and the other in Montes de Oca, both cantons in the greater San José area. The diagnoses were confirmed by INCIENSA, Costa Rica’s public health reference laboratory.
The cases are the first mpox confirmations publicly reported in Costa Rica so far this year. Health authorities have not said whether the two infections are connected or whether they came from separate exposures.
After the diagnoses were confirmed, an interinstitutional technical group began reviewing the cases. The team includes health officials, the Costa Rican Social Security Fund, known as the CCSS, and INCIENSA. The response includes individual case investigations, contact tracing and steps meant to reduce the risk of additional transmission.
Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a viral illness that spreads mainly through close physical contact with an infected person. That can include skin-to-skin contact, sexual contact, contact with bodily fluids, direct exposure to skin lesions, or prolonged exposure to respiratory secretions during close contact.
The virus can also spread through contaminated personal items used by someone who is sick, including towels, bedding, clothing or utensils. Health officials are asking people to avoid close physical contact, including sexual contact, with anyone who has skin lesions compatible with mpox or a confirmed diagnosis.
They are also urging the public not to share towels, bedding, utensils or other personal items with someone who may be infected. Frequent handwashing remains one of the basic precautions, especially after contact with a person who is sick or with items they have used. The main symptom to watch for is a rash or lesions that can look like pimples or blisters.
These may appear anywhere on the body, but are often reported in the genital and perianal area, mouth, face, hands and feet. Other symptoms can include fever, headache, swollen lymph nodes, muscle aches, back pain, fatigue and general malaise. Symptoms can appear days after exposure and may last several weeks.
Anyone who develops suspicious lesions or symptoms compatible with mpox should seek medical attention and avoid close contact with others until evaluated. Early reporting allows health teams to test suspected cases, identify contacts and limit possible spread. Costa Rica’s current investigation remains open. Health authorities said they will provide additional information through official channels as the case review continues.
