Malaria cases down big in Costa Rica
Malaria cases in Costa Rica in 2025 have seen a big decrease compared to recent previous years, according to data from the Ministry of Health.
Compared to the same period in the past two years, 2023 and 2024, the numbers in 2025 are down dramatically.
During epidemiological week 24 (June 8-14), the following were reported: 341 cases in 2023, 151 cases in 2024 and only 6 cases in 2025.
This historic reduction has been possible thanks to the collaborative efforts of the Ministry of Health, the Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS), the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), through the implementation of multiple strategies, including:
Strengthening diagnostics: availability of rapid tests in priority areas and ongoing training for laboratory staff.
Mass administration of medicines in the field.
Consolidation of a network of volunteer collaborators (COLVOL) in malaria outbreaks, providing free access to diagnostic tests.
Communication campaigns targeting migrant populations, agricultural workers, and communities in endemic areas.
Constant updating of related regulations.
Full implementation of the DTIR strategy: detection, diagnosis, investigation and response.
Creation of Focus Management Teams to monitor specific micro-areas where the vector is present.
Weekly meetings with local teams to ensure active and sustained epidemiological surveillance.
Malaria is a disease caused by parasites of the Plasmodium genus, transmitted through the bite of female Anopheles mosquitoes. This disease has been endemic in Costa Rica since the 18th century, especially on the Caribbean coast and other regions.
Since it can be fatal, the public is advised to immediately go to the nearest health center or COLVOL if they experience symptoms such as intermittent fever, chills, or sweating. Prompt diagnosis and treatment drastically reduce the risk of transmission.