Costa Rica
High risk
Present Mosquito-Borne Diseases:
Chikungunya
Dengue Fever
Not present in Costa Rica.
x
Filariasis
Not present in Costa Rica.
x
Japanese Encephalitis
Malaria
Not present in Costa Rica.
x
West Nile Virus
Not present in Costa Rica.
x
Yellow Fever
Zika Fever
Malaria Information
Malaria is a mosquito-borne infectious disease, most commonly transmitted by an infected Anopheles mosquito. The mosquito bite introduces the parasites from the mosquito's saliva into a person's blood.
In 2015, there were 214 million cases of malaria worldwide. Despite a need, no effective vaccine exists.
Malaria causes symptoms that typically include fever, fatigue, vomiting, and headaches. In severe cases it can cause yellow skin, seizures, coma, or death.
When properly treated, people with malaria can usually expect a complete recovery. However, severe malaria can progress extremely rapidly and cause death within hours or days. In the most severe cases of the disease, fatality rates can reach 20%, even with intensive care and treatment.
The risk of disease can be reduced by preventing mosquito bites by using mosquito nets and insect repellents.
Additional information about Malaria from the World Health Organization.
Dengue Fever Information
Dengue fever is a tropical disease caused by the dengue virus and spread by several species of mosquito of the Aedes type.
Dengue is common in more than 110 countries with between 50 and 528 million people infected each year. The fatality rate is 1–5%.
The characteristic symptoms of dengue are sudden-onset fever, rash and headache. The alternative name for dengue is "breakbone fever" due to the associated muscle and joint pains.
Treatment depends on the symptoms. Hospitalization and intravenous hydration may be required.
The risk of disease can be reduced by preventing mosquito bites by using mosquito nets and insect repellents.
Additional information about Dengue Fever from the World Health Organization.
Yellow Fever Information
Yellow fever is caused by the yellow fever RNA virus and is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito, most commonly one of the Aedes aegypti species.
Yellow fever causes 200,000 infections and 30,000 deaths every year. Since the 1980s, the number of cases of yellow fever has been increasing.
The infection causes fever, headache, muscle pain, nausea, and vomiting. In 15% of cases people enter a toxic phase of the disease leading to liver damage. The toxic phase is fatal in about 20% of cases.
No cure is known for yellow fever. Hospitalization is advisable and intensive care may be necessary. Vaccine against yellow fever exists and vaccination is highly recommended for those traveling to affected areas.
The risk of disease can be reduced by preventing mosquito bites by using mosquito nets and insect repellents.
Additional information about Yellow Fever from the World Health Organization.
Japanese Encephalitis Information
The Japanese encephalitis virus belongs to the family Flaviviridae, part of the Japanese encephalitis serocomplex. Amongst the most important vectors of this disease are the mosquitoes Culex tritaeniorhynchus and Culex vishnui.
Japanese encephalitis is the leading cause of viral encephalitis in Asia, with up to 70,000 cases reported annually. Case-fatality rates range from 0.3% to 60% and depend on the population and age.
Most infections are asymptomatic, with fever and headache reported in some cases. Signs which develop during the acute encephalitic stage include neck rigidity, cachexia, hemiparesis and convulsions.
There is no direct treatment for Japanese encephalitis. If hospitalization is required, assistance can be given for feeding, breathing and seizure control. For prevention, in some countries there is a vaccine available.
The risk of disease can be reduced by preventing mosquito bites by using mosquito nets and insect repellents.
Additional information about Japanese Encephalitis from the World Health Organization.
Filariasis Information
Filariasis (a.k.a. philariasis) is a parasitic disease caused by an infection with roundworms of the Filarioidea type. Mosquitoes are a common vector for this disease.
Filariasis affects over 120 million people in 73 countries throughout the tropics and sub-tropics. Currently there is no vaccine available.
The most visual symptom of filariasis is elephantiasis, which occurs when the parasites lodge in the lymphatic system. The subcutaneous worms present with rashes, urticarial papules and arthritis.
Broad spectrum antiparasitic medications are used to treat the disease.
The risk of disease can be reduced by preventing mosquito bites by using mosquito nets and insect repellents.
Additional information about Japanese Encephalitis from the World Health Organization.
Chikungunya Information
Chikungunya is an infection caused by the chikungunya virus. The virus is passed to humans by two species of mosquito of the genus Aedes.
Since 2013 local transmission has been identified in 45 countries with more than 1.7 million suspected cases. The mortality rate is a little less than 1 in 1,000, and the disease may cause long-term symptoms following acute infection.
Symptoms include high fever and severe joint pain, but virus isolation is needed for the most definitive diagnosis.
Currently, no specific treatment for chikungunya is available. Supportive care is recommended. There are no approved vaccines.
The risk of disease can be reduced by preventing mosquito bites by using mosquito nets and insect repellents.
Additional information about Chikungunya from the World Health Organization.
West Nile Virus Information
The West Nile virus is an arbovirus of the Flavivirus genus in the Flaviviridae family. The main way it is spread is by various species of mosquitoes.
Approximately 80% of West Nile virus infections in humans are subclinical. About 1 in 5 people who are infected develop a fever with other symptoms, and about 1% of those result in a severe, sometimes fatal, neurologic illness.
The specific neurological diseases that may occur are West Nile encephalitis, West Nile meningitis, West Nile meningoencephalitis, which causes inflammation of the brain and also the meninges surrounding it, and West Nile poliomyelitis.
Unfortunately, no specific treatment is available for WNV infection. In severe cases the supportive care involves hospitalization, intravenous fluids and respiratory support.
The risk of disease can be reduced by preventing mosquito bites by using mosquito nets and insect repellents.
Additional information about the West Nile Virus from the World Health Organization.
Zika Fever Information
Zika fever is an illness caused by the Zika virus. It is mainly spread via the bite of mosquitoes of the Aedes type, but it could also be transmitted sexually or through a blood transfusion. Infections in pregnant women can be spread to the baby.
As of 2016, the disease is occurring in regions of the Americas, in Africa, Asia, and in the Pacific. There is currently no specific treatment for Zika virus infection.
Most infected people show no symptoms. In some cases the symptoms may include fever, rash, conjunctivitis, joint pain and headache. Care is supportive with treatment of pain, fever, and itching.
Zika virus infections have been linked to rapid onset of muscle weakness caused by the immune system damaging the peripheral nervous system. The disease also spreads from mother to child in the womb and can cause microcephaly in the baby.
The risk of disease can be reduced by preventing mosquito bites by using mosquito nets and insect repellents.
Additional information about the Zika Fever from the World Health Organization.
Costa Rica is a high risk country. Avoid any bug bites by applying an insect repellent containing at least 20% DEET. Get the most efficient mosquito repellent:
DEET Information
DEET (N,N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide) is the most effective and common active ingredient in insect repellents.At room tempreture it is a yellow oil; applied to the skin it provides protection against mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, chiggers, leeches, and many biting insects.
Applying higher concentrations of DEET lead to longer protection, with 100% offering up to 10 hours.
In higher concentrations, DEET may act as a skin irritant for some individuals. It is advisable to wash off the applied DEET after it is no longer needed.
Other tips for preventing bug bites
- Cover exposed skin with appropriate clothing: long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
- Use bed nets in areas where mosquito-borne diseases are common.
- Research danger levels in advance and avoid times and places of peak exposure.
Additional information about DEET from the EPA.