The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a Level 2 - Practice Enhanced Precautions travel notice for Costa Rica due to an outbreak of chikungunya in Guanacaste Province.
On July 1, 2026, Costa Rica’s Ministry of Health declared an active chikungunya outbreak in Playa Langosta. Of 45 suspected cases investigated, 4 were confirmed and 17 were classified as probable. Cases include both Costa Rican nationals and foreigners. So far in 2026, Costa Rica has reported 16 total cases, including this outbreak.
Local transmission means the virus is now circulating in the local mosquito population in that area, not just arriving via travelers. Playa Langosta and the surrounding Guanacaste coast are common destinations for U.S. citizens.
Chikungunya disease is caused by the chikungunya virus and is spread to humans through mosquito bites.
The CDC says you can protect yourself by preventing mosquito bites, which includes using insect repellent, wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants, and staying in places with air conditioning or that have screens on the windows and doors.
Vaccination is recommended for travelers who are visiting an area with a chikungunya outbreak.
Most people infected with chikungunya virus develop some symptoms. Symptoms of chikungunya usually begin 3–7 days after a bite by an infected mosquito. The most common symptoms are fever and joint pain. Other symptoms may include headache, muscle pain, joint swelling, or rash. Most people get better within a week; however, some can have severe joint pain for months to years following acute illness.
People at risk for more severe disease include newborns infected around the time of birth, older adults (65 years or older), and people with medical conditions such as diabetes or heart disease. Death from chikungunya is rare.