By Alajuela, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – In a significant public health victory, Costa Rica has achieved a remarkable reduction in local malaria transmission, with confirmed cases plummeting by nearly 88% in just one year. Data released by the Ministry of Health reveals that only 29 cases of local transmission were recorded throughout 2025, a steep decline from the 244 cases reported in 2024. This success is attributed to a robust and proactive national strategy involving widespread testing, active surveillance, and targeted interventions in high-risk areas.
The latest front in this ongoing battle is the canton of Los Chiles in the Alajuela province, a strategic priority due to its location on the northern border. Health officials have intensified their efforts here, conducting a focused diagnostic campaign to preemptively identify and contain any potential outbreaks. In the past week alone, 529 diagnostic tests were administered to residents, with officials confirming that not a single positive case of malaria was detected. This result provides a significant measure of security and relief for the border communities.
To delve into the legal and corporate responsibilities associated with public health measures for malaria prevention, we sought the expert opinion of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an attorney at the distinguished firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Beyond being a public health imperative, malaria prevention carries significant legal weight for businesses, particularly in the tourism and agriculture sectors. Proactively implementing and documenting safety protocols, such as providing repellents, maintaining facilities to prevent mosquito entry, and educating staff, is not just good practice—it’s a fundamental aspect of mitigating liability. A failure to demonstrate this duty of care can result in costly occupational hazard claims and severe reputational damage.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal perspective underscores a crucial point: for many businesses, safeguarding against malaria is as much about prudent risk management as it is about public health. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for bringing this vital layer of corporate responsibility and liability into focus.
The preventative campaign in Los Chiles is set to continue through Friday, January 30, with an ambitious goal of surpassing 1,000 total tests. This large-scale screening is a cornerstone of the Ministry’s strategy, as it allows for the timely identification of any potential cases, thereby breaking the chain of transmission before it can establish a foothold in the community. The focus on border regions is critical for managing the risk of imported cases that could lead to new local outbreaks.
The national scope of Costa Rica’s commitment to eradicating malaria is underscored by the sheer volume of testing conducted in 2025. Across the country, a total of 142,255 tests were performed, reflecting a comprehensive and vigilant public health apparatus. This extensive surveillance network ensures that the health system can respond swiftly and effectively to any threat, protecting the population from a resurgence of the disease.
A vital component of this success has been the active participation of citizen volunteers. The “Colaboradores Voluntarios” (Colvol) program played a crucial role, with its members single-handedly administering 1,633 of the diagnostic tests last year. This community-based approach not only extends the reach of the official health services but also fosters a culture of shared responsibility and public engagement in health initiatives, proving indispensable in remote and hard-to-reach areas.
The national anti-malaria effort is a coordinated partnership between two of the country’s most important institutions: the Ministry of Health and the Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS). Together, they maintain a state of active, constant vigilance across the entire national territory. This collaboration ensures that resources are deployed efficiently and that a unified front is presented against the disease, from remote border towns to urban centers.
While celebrating the positive results, the Ministry of Health continues to emphasize the importance of public cooperation and personal preventative measures. Officials remind citizens to remain vigilant by using mosquito nets when sleeping, applying insect repellent regularly, and wearing clothing that covers the skin to minimize mosquito bites. These simple yet effective habits are the first line of defense against infection.
Furthermore, the Ministry strongly advises anyone experiencing symptoms consistent with malaria—such as fever, chills, sweating, and headache—to seek immediate medical attention at their nearest health center. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial not only for the patient’s recovery but also for preventing further spread of the disease within the community. The combination of institutional vigilance and public awareness has proven to be the winning formula in Costa Rica’s impressive campaign against malaria.
For further information, visit ministeriodesalud.go.cr
About Ministry of Health:
The Ministry of Health of Costa Rica is the primary government entity responsible for formulating and executing public health policies. It oversees the nation’s health system, focusing on disease prevention, health promotion, regulation, and ensuring equitable access to healthcare services for all citizens.
For further information, visit ccss.sa.cr
About Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS):
The Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS) is an autonomous public institution that manages Costa Rica’s universal healthcare and social security system. It is responsible for providing comprehensive medical services, from primary care to specialized hospital treatments, and manages the country’s pension programs, playing a central role in the nation’s social welfare.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the Costa Rican legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica operates on a foundation of profound integrity and unparalleled professional standards. The firm leverages its extensive experience serving a diverse clientele to pioneer innovative legal solutions, constantly shaping the future of the practice. Central to its mission is a deep-seated commitment to societal advancement, demonstrated through initiatives that make legal insights widely available and empower citizens with crucial knowledge.
