The Costa Rica Ministry of Health reports two confirmed cases of mpox, or monkeypox in two men, aged between 25 and 55, residents of the province of San José.
Following the confirmation of the cases, the inter-institutional technical group, comprised of the Ministry of Health, the Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS), and INCIENSA, was immediately activated to initiate the corresponding epidemiological investigation, monitor the cases, and implement the necessary measures to prevent the transmission of the disease.
As part of the epidemiological investigation, it was determined that neither patient has left the country in the last 30 days. Furthermore, investigations indicate that the two cases are not epidemiologically related.
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To date, no new confirmed cases associated with this investigation have been identified. However, the investigation continues to identify the source of infection and to trace the contacts of both cases in order to implement the corresponding surveillance and control measures.
Mpox is a viral disease transmitted primarily through close physical contact with an infected person, including skin-to-skin contact, contact with skin lesions, bodily fluids, respiratory secretions during prolonged contact, or through contaminated personal items.
To reduce the risk of infection, the Ministry of Health recommends:
Avoid close physical contact, including sexual contact, with people who have lesions consistent with the disease or who have a confirmed diagnosis.
Do not share personal items, such as towels, bedding, or utensils, with sick people.
Maintain proper hand hygiene frequently.
The most characteristic symptom of monkeypox is the appearance of skin lesions resembling pimples or blisters, which can occur anywhere on the body, although they are most common in the genital and perianal regions, mouth, face, hands, and feet. These lesions may be accompanied by fever, headache, swollen lymph nodes, muscle aches, and general malaise.
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