Dengue fever cases rise in Costa Rica and Colombia

Health authorities in Costa Rica and Colombia are issuing urgent warnings regarding the spread of dengue fever. In Costa Rica, the Ministry of Health reported 3,437 accumulated cases through epidemiological week 32 of 2026, marking an increase of over 1,000 cases compared to the same period in 2025. The Central North Region has the highest number of cases, while the Central Pacific Region shows the highest incidence rate. Several hospitalizations have been reported in Alajuela and Puntarenas.

In Colombia, the country has recorded 72,654 dengue cases this year, with the department of Caldas reporting 139. While the city of Manizales has not yet identified local cases, health officials warn that the Aedes aegypti mosquito is present in several urban sectors, including Kilómetro 41, La Cabaña, and Lisboa.

Authorities in both nations emphasize that eliminating breeding sites is the most effective defense. Recommendations include emptying, washing, and covering water storage containers, as well as removing items like tires, bottles, and cans that can collect rainwater. Symptoms to monitor include high fever, intense headache, muscle and joint pain, and skin rashes.