Costa Rica’s Ministry of Health has rolled out a nationwide vaccination campaign against measles following a marked increase in cases across the Americas. The move comes after national health officials confirmed an imported case from Mexico and noted rising infections in neighboring countries.
Data from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) shows 14,891 confirmed measles cases in the Americas in 2025, a 32-fold jump from the 466 cases reported the previous year. The outbreak claimed 29 lives, mostly in indigenous communities. Thirteen countries reported infections, including Costa Rica with one case. In the first three weeks of 2026, another 1,031 cases emerged in seven countries, with no deaths recorded so far.
Mexico leads with 6,428 cases in 2025 and 740 more in early 2026. The United States follows with 2,242 cases last year and 171 this year, while Canada reported 5,436 cases in 2025 and 67 in 2026. Other affected nations include Bolivia, Guatemala, Chile, and Uruguay.
In Costa Rica, the last homegrown measles case occurred in 1999. Since then, 15 imported or linked cases have appeared, with the most recent in Guanacaste in 2025. The latest imported infection, detected in Pérez Zeledón on February 14, 2026, prompted immediate action. The patient contracted the virus abroad and showed symptoms after entering the country. Health teams activated protocols through the National Center for Virological Reference at INCIENSA.
The Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS) began vaccinating travelers in mid February. The effort targets people aged 20 to 39 heading to countries with active outbreaks. No appointment is needed; individuals must show proof of travel and visit their local health center. The vaccine is voluntary and should be given at least two weeks before departure.
“Given the health alert from rising global measles cases, the CCSS is starting a vaccination strategy for travelers aged 20 to 39,” said Leandra Abarca Gómez, coordinator of the CCSS Immunization Program. “We invite people to come to health centers without an appointment.”
Countries with current outbreaks include Argentina, Bolivia, Canada, Chile, the United States, Guatemala, Mexico, and Uruguay. The Ministry of Health will update this list based on new alerts.
The campaign stresses prevention for travelers to major events, such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. These host nations face ongoing outbreaks, raising risks for attendees. PAHO has urged stronger surveillance and vaccination in light of mass gatherings and travel.
Measles spreads through respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing. Symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a rash starting on the face. The virus can linger in the air for up to two hours. Complications range from ear infections to pneumonia, encephalitis, or death, especially in young children, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems.
Costa Rica’s routine vaccination schedule provides two doses: one at 15 months and a booster at age 7. Coverage stands high, but gaps in adult immunity from past programs have led to the targeted drive. Parents should check children’s records, and adults unsure of their status can consult health providers.
Health officials trace the regional surge to falling vaccination rates, travel, and vaccine hesitancy. In 2024, first-dose coverage in the Americas reached 88%, below the 95% needed for herd immunity. PAHO reports 78% of recent cases involved unvaccinated individuals.
The Ministry of Health calls on the public to stay vigilant. People with symptoms should isolate and seek medical care promptly. Close contacts of confirmed cases may receive post-exposure vaccination or monitoring. This initiative aims to block reintroduction of the virus and maintain Costa Rica’s measles-free status. As travel picks up ahead of the World Cup, officials expect high demand for vaccines. Clinics here have stocked supplies to meet needs.
For updates, visit the Ministry of Health website or contact area health offices. The campaign runs indefinitely, with adjustments based on regional trends.
