International Measles Alert Raises Concerns for Children in Costa Rica
As cases surge in the Americas, health officials emphasize the vulnerability of unvaccinated children.
The spread of measles across the Americas has raised alarms, particularly following a significant outbreak in Texas, USA.
Although there have been no reported cases of measles in Costa Rica thus far, health experts are warning that if cases were to emerge, unvaccinated children would be at the highest risk.
Former Minister of Health María Luisa Ávila highlighted that children under one year of age, who are not yet eligible to receive the measles vaccine—which is administered between the ages of 15 and 18 months—are especially vulnerable.
The vaccine is followed by a booster shot typically given between ages four and seven.
She noted that immunity from the vaccine is temporary for children under 12 months, and while a dose could be administered if cases start appearing in Costa Rica, it would not count as part of the standard vaccination schedule.
Despite this potential risk, Ávila reassured the public that Costa Rica maintains a good vaccination coverage, which has significantly mitigated the risks associated with the measles outbreak.
Nonetheless, she emphasized the importance of continued vigilance.
The Ministry of Health in Costa Rica is closely monitoring the situation in response to rising international case numbers.
In the first nine weeks of 2025, there have been 268 confirmed cases and one death in the region.
In the United States, Texas is currently experiencing its most severe measles outbreak in three decades, with 223 cases reported out of over 250 nationwide.
Health authorities attribute this increase to declining vaccination rates, which have been influenced by the anti-vaccine movement.
Recent actions including advisories from U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, who has suggested alternative treatments such as cod liver oil and vitamin A instead of vaccinations, have stirred controversy within the medical community.
In related public health measures, the Costa Rican Ministry of Health has made vaccination against yellow fever mandatory starting March 11 for travelers to 46 countries, including all South American nations.
Travelers must receive the vaccine at least 10 days before their arrival at their destinations.
This requirement applies to Costa Ricans traveling to regions where yellow fever is endemic.
Since 2018, vaccination has been a prerequisite for entry into all African nations, Brazil, and specific areas of Colombia and Peru.
Ongoing outbreaks have necessitated an expansion of the vaccination mandate to include other regions.
The ministry also announced that returning to Costa Rica will require proof of vaccination for travelers from certain South American countries and specified African nations.
In 2024, the Americas recorded 61 confirmed yellow fever cases, while Costa Rica reported 14 cases as of the fourth week of 2025.
Authorities noted that the disease has transitioned from remote Amazonian locales to increasingly urban environments, facilitating its spread.
The yellow fever vaccine is available at private pharmacies in Costa Rica, with prices ranging from approximately ¢74,000 to ¢88,000.
After a shortage in the private market in December and January, the Ministry of Health conducted special vaccination campaigns, known as "vacunatones," during which 9,854 people were vaccinated.
Although there have been no reported cases of measles in Costa Rica thus far, health experts are warning that if cases were to emerge, unvaccinated children would be at the highest risk.
Former Minister of Health María Luisa Ávila highlighted that children under one year of age, who are not yet eligible to receive the measles vaccine—which is administered between the ages of 15 and 18 months—are especially vulnerable.
The vaccine is followed by a booster shot typically given between ages four and seven.
She noted that immunity from the vaccine is temporary for children under 12 months, and while a dose could be administered if cases start appearing in Costa Rica, it would not count as part of the standard vaccination schedule.
Despite this potential risk, Ávila reassured the public that Costa Rica maintains a good vaccination coverage, which has significantly mitigated the risks associated with the measles outbreak.
Nonetheless, she emphasized the importance of continued vigilance.
The Ministry of Health in Costa Rica is closely monitoring the situation in response to rising international case numbers.
In the first nine weeks of 2025, there have been 268 confirmed cases and one death in the region.
In the United States, Texas is currently experiencing its most severe measles outbreak in three decades, with 223 cases reported out of over 250 nationwide.
Health authorities attribute this increase to declining vaccination rates, which have been influenced by the anti-vaccine movement.
Recent actions including advisories from U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, who has suggested alternative treatments such as cod liver oil and vitamin A instead of vaccinations, have stirred controversy within the medical community.
In related public health measures, the Costa Rican Ministry of Health has made vaccination against yellow fever mandatory starting March 11 for travelers to 46 countries, including all South American nations.
Travelers must receive the vaccine at least 10 days before their arrival at their destinations.
This requirement applies to Costa Ricans traveling to regions where yellow fever is endemic.
Since 2018, vaccination has been a prerequisite for entry into all African nations, Brazil, and specific areas of Colombia and Peru.
Ongoing outbreaks have necessitated an expansion of the vaccination mandate to include other regions.
The ministry also announced that returning to Costa Rica will require proof of vaccination for travelers from certain South American countries and specified African nations.
In 2024, the Americas recorded 61 confirmed yellow fever cases, while Costa Rica reported 14 cases as of the fourth week of 2025.
Authorities noted that the disease has transitioned from remote Amazonian locales to increasingly urban environments, facilitating its spread.
The yellow fever vaccine is available at private pharmacies in Costa Rica, with prices ranging from approximately ¢74,000 to ¢88,000.
After a shortage in the private market in December and January, the Ministry of Health conducted special vaccination campaigns, known as "vacunatones," during which 9,854 people were vaccinated.
