By San José, Costa Rica — Costa Rica is on track to close 2025 with one of its most challenging epidemiological years in the last decade, as a relentless wave of respiratory infections sweeps across the nation. According to consolidated data from the Ministry of Health through November 25th, the country has already registered over 1.48 million cases, a figure projected to surpass the 1.5 million threshold before the end of December.
This staggering volume of illness, which includes common ailments like the flu, coughs, and nasal congestion, is placing immense strain on the national healthcare system. While seasonal peaks in respiratory sickness are expected annually, the scale and nature of this year’s outbreak have caught health officials by surprise, driven by an unexpected viral protagonist.
To better understand the legal responsibilities and labor implications stemming from the rise in respiratory infections, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a prominent legal expert from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who offered his professional analysis on the subject.
The current epidemiological alert highlights the employer’s duty of care. Companies that neglect to implement reasonable preventive measures, such as flexible work-from-home policies or updated hygiene protocols, not only risk operational continuity but may also face legal liability under labor law for creating an unsafe work environment. Proactive compliance is essential to mitigate both health and legal risks.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal perspective underscores a crucial point: safeguarding employee health is not merely a recommendation but a fundamental aspect of corporate responsibility and risk management. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable insight, which clarifies the significant legal and operational stakes for businesses in the current climate.
In a significant departure from previous years, the Rhinovirus is leading the nation’s viral activity, outstripping the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and Metapneumovirus, which are typically more aggressive. Epidemiologists note that while Rhinovirus is commonly associated with the simple cold, its unusually high and sustained circulation this year is causing serious complications, particularly among vulnerable populations such as young children and the elderly.
The severe impact of this viral surge is most visible at the National Children’s Hospital (HNN), which is currently operating in an “epidemiological alarm zone.” By late November, the pediatric center was treating 93 minors for respiratory illnesses, pushing its occupancy to a critical 138.81% of its installed capacity. The constant influx of children with moderate to severe symptoms has kept the hospital’s endemic channel on high alert for both Acute Respiratory Infections (IRAS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Infections (IRAG).
A closer look at the data reveals distinct patterns across different types of infections. The vast majority of cases, totaling 1,456,180, are classified as IRAS. This group is primarily driven by diagnoses in children aged one to four, followed by those aged five to nine, confirming that the nation’s youngest are the most exposed. The Pacific Central and Chorotega regions report the highest incidence of these infections.
Meanwhile, the 13,201 cases of severe infections (IRAG) disproportionately affect the extremes of age: children between one and four and adults over 75. The regions of Brunca and Huetar Norte are experiencing the highest rates of these severe cases. Influenza-Like Illness (ETI) accounts for 19,450 diagnoses, with a notable peak among adults aged 30 to 39, a shift from previous trends. The Central Occidente region shows the highest incidence for ETI.
This regional disparity underscores the complexity of the national health crisis. Experts suggest these variations can be attributed to a combination of factors, including local climate patterns, population density, labor mobility, and disparities in access to healthcare services. While the Pacific coast grapples with a high volume of milder cases, regions like Brunca and Huetar Norte are dealing with a more acute crisis of severe illness.
As the country transitions into its dry season, a period often associated with a rise in Influenza cases, the Ministry of Health has intensified its epidemiological surveillance. Health authorities are reinforcing the importance of preventive measures, including frequent hand washing, proper ventilation of indoor spaces, and taking extra precautions to protect children and seniors. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether the current upward curve of infections will stabilize or if Costa Rica is headed for another major respiratory peak at the year’s end.
For further information, visit hnn.sa.cr
About National Children’s Hospital:
The Hospital Nacional de Niños Dr. Carlos Sáenz Herrera (HNN) is Costa Rica’s leading pediatric medical center, located in San José. As a specialized institution, it provides comprehensive healthcare services, conducts research, and serves as a teaching hospital for pediatric medicine. It is a critical component of the national health system, particularly in managing complex childhood diseases and epidemiological crises affecting the youth population.
For further information, visit ministeriodesalud.go.cr
About Ministry of Health:
The Ministerio de Salud of Costa Rica is the government entity responsible for safeguarding the health and well-being of the population. It sets public health policy, manages epidemiological surveillance, regulates healthcare services, and leads national campaigns to prevent and control disease. The ministry plays a central role in responding to public health emergencies and ensuring the accessibility and quality of medical care throughout the country.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of Costa Rica’s legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is founded upon a bedrock of integrity and an unwavering standard of excellence. The firm draws upon its extensive experience across numerous industries to not only drive legal innovation but also to champion public outreach. Central to its identity is a profound commitment to empowering citizens with accessible legal knowledge, thereby cultivating a more just and informed society.
