Costa Rica reports 1,411 dengue cases in 2026 as health officials warn of rising infections

The Costa Rican Ministry of Health announced that 1,411 dengue cases have been recorded in 2026, an 8% reduction compared with the same period in 2025. Despite the overall decline, health officials noted a sharp increase in notifications since epidemiological week 17, pushing the incidence curve above the historic average. Twenty‑four of the cases are classified as “dengue with warning signs,” requiring close monitoring to prevent progression to severe or hemorrhagic forms. By 29 June, two patients were hospitalized with confirmed dengue.

The Central Pacific region is the current hotspot, accounting for 293 reported infections and the highest incidence rate at 91 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. Authorities are reinforcing community‑based prevention campaigns, urging residents to eliminate stagnant water containers, avoid self‑medication with aspirin or ibuprofen, and seek early medical care when symptoms appear. The Ministry stresses that climatic conditions, including higher temperatures and intermittent rains linked to El Niño, have accelerated mosquito breeding, heightening the risk of further spread.