Colombian and Costa Rican health ministries boost disease surveillance

Colombia's Caldas region is strengthening epidemiological surveillance for measles and rubella as the FIFA World Cup 2026 approaches, warning that increased international travel could re‑introduce the diseases despite the country’s measles‑free certification. Health officials reviewed detection, notification and response protocols, emphasizing rapid action within 48 hours of any suspected case.

In Costa Rica, the Ministry of Health confirmed two male patients in the San José province with monkeypox (viruela símica). An inter‑institutional technical team, including the Ministry, the Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social and Inciensa, has launched epidemiological investigations, patient follow‑up and measures to prevent further transmission, advising the public to avoid close contact with infected individuals and to maintain strict hand hygiene.