CDC Warns Americans of Costa Rica Travel Because of Mosquito-Borne Virus

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is warning Americans traveling to Costa Rica to take precautions because of an outbreak of the mosquito-borne virus chikungunya.

The CDC is not telling Americans to avoid Costa Rica—its Level 2 warning is advising them to take extra precautions when traveling to Costa Rica’s Guanacaste Province, in the northwestern part of the country along the Pacific Ocean, which includes Playa Langosta.

Chikungunya causes fever and joint pain, and can also cause headaches, muscle pains, joint swelling, and rashes about three to seven days after infection. Most people get better within a week, the CDC said; however, some can have severe joint pain for months or years following acute illness.

The CDC is particularly warning higher-risk people, including newborns, older adults, and those with pre-existing conditions, to be aware of the dangers of the virus.

The general advice for travelers in the area is to protect against mosquito bites by using insect repellent, wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants, and staying in places with air conditioning or screens on windows and doors.

It is also recommending travelers be vaccinated before visiting an area with an outbreak, which now includes Guanacaste Province.