General recommendations

Zika outbreaks have been reported in Costa Rica. Because of the risk of birth defects in babies born to women who were infected with Zika while pregnant, women who are pregnant should not travel to Costa Rica. For further information on this recommendation, please visit the CDCZika Virus in Costa Rica.

Chikungunya cases have been reported in Costa Rica. For further information, please visit the CDC Chikungunya Advice.

Dengue cases have been reported in Costa Rica. For further information, please visit the CDCDengue Advice.

Chagas disease (American Trypanosomiasis) is spread by the faeces of insects found in Costa Rica. For further information, please visit the CDCChagas Disease Advice.

Recommendations

It is recommended that travellers are up to date on routine vaccinations including measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus (DPT), varicella (chickenpox), polio, and yearly flu shots.

A hepatitis A vaccination is recommended as travellers may contract hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Costa Rica, regardless of where they are eating or staying.

A hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for those who may have sexual contact with a new partner, who may get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures.

A typhoid vaccination is recommended for most travellers, especially those staying with friends or relatives, visiting smaller cities or rural areas, or for those that are adventurous eaters.

A rabies vaccination is recommended for those planning an outdoor holiday, for wildlife professionals and researchers, or for those who may come into contact with bats.

Regulation

Yellow Fever Advice.

Zika Virus in Costa Rica.

Chikungunya Advice.

Dengue Advice.

Chagas Disease Advice.