Costa Rica: 2024 Dengue

[Shiloh]

Source: https://ticotimes.net/2024/02/08/costa-rica-battles-rising-dengue-fever-outbreak

Costa Rica battles rising dengue fever outbreak
By Tico Times
February 8, 2024​



The Costa Rican Ministry of Health reported that between January 21-27, 2024, there were 2,679 cases of dengue fever registered. This represents an increase of 298 compared to the same period last year in 2023.

Health experts also noted that, fortunately, there were no deaths recorded due to the disease.

The Health Surveillance Directorate highlighted that in epidemiological week number four, there was a surge of cases in the Central North region with 646 confirmed cases, followed by the Central South with 519, and the Central Pacific with 454 patients.

The cantons with the highest number of cases are Alajuela with 308 cases, San José with 236, Puntarenas with 218, Turrialba with 183, and Atenas with 94 cases.

Official data recorded 28,420 cases of dengue fever in 2023, with no deaths attributed to the disease, as 1,006,526 homes were fumigated, and 3,252,527 breeding sites were located during health inspections that year.​..

 

[Shiloh]

Source: https://ticotimes.net/2024/03/12/concerns-rise-over-dengue-spread-in-costa-rica

Concerns Rise Over Dengue Spread in Costa Rica
By Tico Times
March 12, 2024​

Costa Rican health authorities expressed their concern about the spread of dengue fever in the country. Weather conditions have contributed to the propagation of the disease. In recent weeks, the number of patients with this disease has increased. According to the Ministry of Health, a total of 5,400 cases have been registered so far this year.

The projection for the rest of the year will definitely depend on the behavior of the population, according to specialists. Awareness, education, and action are key to control the spread of dengue. Collaboration with local authorities, massive garbage collection, and elimination of breeding sites are important actions to avoid an increase in the number of cases.

“This year, we faced a significant increase in cases, with 2013 being our worst year with 49,950 cases. In comparison, last year registered 30,000 cases and, starting in the middle of the year, we began to see the circulation of new serotypes that we did not have,” explained Roberto Castro, Head of the Epidemiology Unit.

According to the expert, the situation may become more worrisome because, since last year, instead of circulating only two dengue serotypes, four are circulating. Each serotype is a different variety of the disease...


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[Shiloh]

Source: https://ticotimes.net/2024/09/03/co...dengue-fever-cases-with-over-19000-infections

Costa Rica Sees Surge in Dengue Fever Cases with Over 19,000 Infections
By Ileana Fernandez
September 3, 2024​

Dengue fever continues to pose a significant threat in Costa Rica, with contagion rates reaching alarmingly high levels. According to data from the Ministry of Health, August ended with a total of 19,011 cases, a sharp increase compared to the 6,951 cases recorded during the same period in 2023. Just from July 31 to August 30, 4,493 people contracted the disease.

The data also highlights an increase in cases across nearly every province, except for Limón, which recorded fewer cases compared to last year. Alajuela is experiencing the highest surge in dengue cases, with 5,733 cases—almost five times higher than in the same period in 2023. Similar increases have been observed in Puntarenas, Cartago, and San José.

Experts note that Costa Rica sees the highest incidence of dengue during the rainy season, which goes from May to November. Typically, cases peak in September and October due to weather conditions that favor the proliferation of the Aedes aegypti mosquito.

Currently, all four dengue serotypes are circulating in the country. Additionally, other mosquito-borne diseases such as Zika and chikungunya are present. Serotypes 3 and 4, which generate the most infections, were identified in 2022 after more than 20 years of inactivity. People infected for a second time, especially with different serotypes, are at greater risk of severe disease, making extreme precautionary measures crucial.​..

 

[Shiloh]

Source: https://ticotimes.net/2024/10/08/costa-rica-dengue-crisis-doubles-cases-in-2024-health-alert

Costa Rica Dengue Crisis Doubles Cases in 2024 Health Alert
By Tico Times
October 8, 2024​

Costa Rica’s health authorities are on high alert due to a surge in dengue fever cases. As of the week ending September 23, 2023, 12,357 cases were reported. In 2024, this figure more than doubled to 24,965 cases, marking a sharp 202% increase.

The Ministry of Health reports that 1,537 new cases were recorded in just the last week, with 120 people requiring medical attention due to dengue with warning signs.

Eight cantons have accumulated more than 1,000 cases each: Alajuela (2,644), Turrialba (2,481), San José (2,458), San Carlos (1,354), Santa Ana (1,214), Buenos Aires (1,161), Atenas (1,139), and Corredores (1,015).

In September, the Ministry confirmed the first dengue-related deaths of the year. To date, five fatalities have been recorded. The inter-institutional commission investigating dengue-related deaths has analyzed 14 suspected cases. Health officials had warned as early as July that fatalities were likely in the second half of the year due to the surge in cases.

Experts note that Costa Rica experiences the highest incidence of dengue during the rainy season, from May to November. Case numbers typically peak in September and October when weather conditions create ideal breeding grounds for the Aedes aegypti mosquito.​..