The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a level two travel health notice for Costa Rica’s Guanacaste Province on July 16, after health authorities confirmed local transmission of chikungunya in the popular beach area of Playa Langosta.
Costa Rica’s Ministry of Health declared an active chikungunya outbreak in the area on July 1. Of 45 suspected cases investigated, four were confirmed and 17 were classified as probable, according to the CDC. The ministry said cases include both Costa Rican nationals and foreign visitors, bringing the country’s total confirmed cases for 2026 to 16.
Local transmission means the virus is now circulating within the local mosquito population rather than arriving solely through travellers, the CDC said. Guanacaste, known for its beaches, surfing and hiking trails, is one of Costa Rica’s most visited regions and a common destination for US citizens.
The US Embassy in San Jose issued a health alert on July 13, advising travellers heading to Guanacaste, particularly the Santa Cruz area, to take mosquito bite prevention measures, including using EPA-registered repellent and wearing long-sleeved clothing. The embassy said travellers should seek medical attention if they develop symptoms consistent with chikungunya during or after their trip.
Chikungunya is spread to humans through mosquito bites, with symptoms typically beginning three to seven days after exposure. The most common symptoms are fever and joint pain, alongside possible headache, muscle pain, joint swelling or rash. Most people recover within a week, although some can experience severe joint pain for months or years afterwards. The CDC said older adults, newborns infected around the time of birth, and people with underlying conditions such as diabetes or heart disease face a higher risk of severe illness, though death from the virus remains rare.
The level two notice, “practice enhanced precautions,” recommends vaccination for travellers visiting areas with an active chikungunya outbreak.