Location: Escazú, San José, Costa Rica
Event: On October 21, 2026, Costa Rica’s Ministry of Health (MOH) reported an outbreak of Salmonella under investigation at Hospital CIMA in Escazú, affecting hospital workers.
To date, 66 suspected cases have been registered, two have been confirmed by laboratory testing, and two patients have been hospitalized. Laboratory analysis identified Salmonella spp. in the cases confirmed.
Reported symptoms include diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, and general malaise.
The MOH is working to identify the exposure common to those affecte and the mechanism of transmission. Public reports to date describe cases among hospital workers. Foodborne transmission is a preliminary hypothesis only. No specific food has been identified, and the source of contamination has not been confirmed.
Actions to take:
· The U.S. Embassy has advised its personnel to consider alternative locations for medical care until the outbreak has been resolved. The U.S. Embassy website contains a non-exhaustive list of hospitals and medical providers.
· Practice consistent hand hygiene with soap and water, especially after using the restroom and before preparing or eating food.
· Keep raw and cooked foods separate, cook eggs, poultry, and meat thoroughly, and refrigerate perishable foods promptly.
· Wash fruits and vegetables before consumption and avoid unpasteurized dairy products.
· If you develop diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, or fever, maintain hydration with oral fluids and contact your medical provider for guidance.
· Seek urgent evaluation for any of the following: persistent vomiting or inability to keep fluids down, signs of dehydration (decreased urination, dizziness, dry mouth), bloody stools, high or persistent fever, or symptoms lasting more than a few days. Infants, young children, older adults, pregnant individuals, and immuno-compromised individuals should be evaluated earlier.
· Individuals with gastrointestinal illness should not prepare food for others while symptomatic.
· In the case of a medical emergency, please call 911.
Assistance:
U.S. Embassy San José, Costa Rica
+506 2519-2000
State Department - Consular Affairs
+1 (888) 407-4747 or +1 (202) 501-4444
Costa Rica International Travel Information (travel.state.gov)
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U.S. Embassy San Jose WhatsApp Channel (mobile only)