A concerning health alert has been issued: Costa Rica is stepping up its defenses against yellow fever at its southern border. This news, announced on October 22, 2025, by the Costa Rican Ministry of Health (MINSA), highlights the importance of staying informed and taking necessary precautions. Let's dive in.
MINSA has implemented stricter health control measures in the Bocas del Toro province, particularly focusing on border crossings near Guabito. This action follows the confirmation of a yellow fever case in October 2025. The core of these measures includes a new sanitary checkpoint and enhanced epidemiological surveillance.
The health alert, officially DM-RM-5785-2025, was issued on October 17, 2025, after two imported cases of yellow fever were confirmed in women who had traveled from the jungle region of Peru.
Here's an interesting twist: One of the women had been fully vaccinated and showed no symptoms. The other, who was not vaccinated, did develop the disease but recovered and was discharged from the hospital. This emphasizes the critical role of vaccination.
MINSA is urging the public to eliminate mosquito breeding sites and take preventive measures, especially those traveling to or from areas where the virus is active.
A crucial reminder: Anyone entering Costa Rica from an endemic area must present an international yellow fever vaccination certificate or receive the vaccine upon arrival.
Furthermore, MINSA Regional Director Daryl Palmore has stated that efforts are underway to secure more yellow fever vaccine doses to protect border communities.
But here's where it gets controversial... Since 2017, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has broadened its yellow fever vaccine recommendations for certain travelers to at-risk zones. However, the CDC has not issued a specific Travel Health Notice for Costa Rica despite these recent developments. In the USA, yellow fever vaccinations are readily available at travel clinics and pharmacies.
What do you think about the CDC's stance? Does the lack of a travel health notice surprise you? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
