Costa Rica’s Ministry of Health is investigating a Salmonella outbreak affecting employees at Hospital CIMA in Escazú, with 66 suspected cases, two laboratory-confirmed infections, and two hospitalizations reported as of October 21, 2026. The source of contamination remains unknown, and the U.S. Embassy has advised its personnel to consider alternative medical facilities until the outbreak is resolved. Residents are encouraged to practice good hygiene, follow safe food-handling practices, and seek medical attention for severe or persistent gastrointestinal symptoms.

When darkness obscured three-quarters of the vision in my right eye, an ordinary Friday became a race to save my sight. Within hours, two specialists coordinated my care and arranged emergency retinal surgery in Costa Rica. Alongside the urgency, I experienced kindness, professionalism, and personal attention at every step. I’m still healing, but I can now see light and movement where there was once only darkness.

"We never imagined that what looked like ordinary bug bites on our son were actually impetigo." This article shares how a family missed the early signs of this common, highly contagious skin infection, and offers practical guidance to help parents spot it early, get the right care, and keep it from spreading through homes and classrooms.

With hepatitis A cases in Costa Rica more than doubling this year, this article offers a calm, practical look at how the virus spreads, what symptoms to watch for, and the simple habits that help us protect our families and neighbors. "Natural comfort measures and medical care do not have to be opposing choices."

From a German pharmacy to a Rancho potluck gone wrong with ants, one neighbor's journey with homeopathy has become a quiet fixture of family life at Ecovilla San Mateo. In this personal reflection, Staff Writer Claudia shares what led her from skepticism to keeping arnica and other remedies close at hand—and offers a clear-eyed look at what homeopathy can and can't do.

Saltwater pools may feel gentler, but they still rely on chlorine. Learn how salt, electricity, pH and regular testing work together to keep community pool water clean, comfortable and safe.

A recent CDC health alert has flagged higher-than-expected dengue activity in Costa Rica — not a reason for alarm, but a good nudge to check our own lots. At Ecovilla San Mateo, where gardens and construction sites collect plenty of stray puddles, the fix starts with a ten-minute weekly walk around the property to empty anything holding standing water.