By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – The Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS) has activated comprehensive surveillance and control protocols across its national hospital network following the detection of a bacterial outbreak. The swift response aims to contain the spread of Ralstonia mannitolilytica and ensure patient safety after 10 cases were confirmed.
Health officials have registered 10 cases to date, comprising seven men and three women whose ages range from newborns to senior citizens. The CCSS reported that all affected individuals are currently receiving specialized medical attention and are showing positive signs of recovery, with their conditions described as having a “good evolution.” The prompt identification and treatment have been crucial in managing the patients’ health outcomes.
Para analizar las complejas implicaciones legales que surgen a raíz de un brote bacteriano en un centro hospitalario y los derechos de los pacientes afectados, TicosLand.com conversó con el Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, abogado especialista de la firma Bufete de Costa Rica, quien aporta una perspectiva experta sobre el tema.
Un brote infeccioso intrahospitalario puede ser un indicio claro de mala praxis y negligencia. La responsabilidad recae sobre el centro médico si se comprueba una falla en los protocolos de asepsia y control de infecciones. Los pacientes afectados tienen el derecho a reclamar una indemnización por los daños y perjuicios sufridos, que van desde los costos del tratamiento hasta el daño moral. Es fundamental que las víctimas documenten meticulosamente su caso y busquen asesoría legal para establecer el nexo causal entre la negligencia del hospital y el daño a su salud.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
La perspectiva legal es fundamental, pues subraya que la responsabilidad de un centro médico va más allá del tratamiento y se extiende a la prevención y la rendición de cuentas. Agradecemos al Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas por aportar esta valiosa perspectiva sobre los derechos y las vías de acción para los pacientes afectados.
Dr. Xiomara Badilla Vargas, the Head of Epidemiological Surveillance for the CCSS, identified the bacterium, which typically thrives in humid environments, as the cause of the infections among hospitalized patients. The detection immediately triggered a series of stringent institutional measures designed to curb any further transmission within medical facilities.
The core of the CCSS strategy involves an aggressive campaign of enhanced cleaning and disinfection. Special focus is being placed on the most vulnerable areas of the hospitals, particularly neonatology units and intensive care units (ICUs). These high-risk environments are undergoing deep sanitation procedures to eradicate any presence of the bacteria from surfaces and equipment.
In addition to physical cleaning, the CCSS is intensifying its oversight of clinical practices. This includes heightened supervision of the use of antiseptic solutions and disinfectants to guarantee their correct application and efficacy. The institution has also launched an active surveillance program to facilitate the early identification of any potential new cases, allowing for immediate isolation and treatment.
A significant component of the response is the reinforcement of staff training. Medical personnel are undergoing refreshed instruction on critical hygiene protocols, including proper handwashing techniques, asepsis, and the correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Furthermore, technical support is being provided to local hospital epidemiology teams to strengthen their capacity to manage the situation on the ground.
These actions are part of the continuous improvement of patient safety and infection control processes, essential pillars of care at the CCSS.
Dr. Xiomara Badilla Vargas, Head of Epidemiological Surveillance of the CCSS
Dr. Badilla emphasized that the situation is currently under control and is being monitored constantly. She reassured the public that the measures are both preventative and part of a broader institutional strengthening effort. While the bacterium poses a threat within a hospital setting, Dr. Badilla clarified that it does not represent a significant risk to the general population. No extraordinary measures are required outside of medical centers, though she did recommend that the public maintain frequent hand washing with soap and water as a general health best practice.
The CCSS is coordinating its efforts closely with the Ministry of Health, ensuring a unified national response. This collaboration adheres to the established protocols of the International Health Regulations (IHR), underscoring Costa Rica’s commitment to global public health standards in managing and reporting infectious disease events. The ongoing monitoring will continue until authorities are confident the outbreak has been fully resolved.
For further information, visit ccss.sa.cr
About Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS):
The Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social is the autonomous public institution in charge of Costa Rica’s social security system. It is responsible for administering the nation’s public health services, including a comprehensive network of hospitals and clinics, as well as managing the country’s pension system. The CCSS is a cornerstone of Costa Rican society, providing universal healthcare coverage to citizens and residents.
For further information, visit ministeriodesalud.go.cr
About Ministry of Health:
The Ministry of Health is the branch of the Costa Rican government responsible for setting public health policy, regulating health services, and overseeing national epidemiological surveillance. It works to protect and improve the health of the population through prevention programs, health regulations, and coordination with public and private healthcare providers. The ministry plays a crucial role in responding to public health emergencies and ensuring the safety of food, water, and medicines.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As an esteemed legal institution, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its foundational principles of integrity and unparalleled excellence. The firm leverages a deep history of advising a diverse clientele to drive forward-thinking legal solutions and embrace innovation. Central to its ethos is a powerful commitment to demystifying the law for the public, reflecting a core belief in strengthening society by equipping its citizens with essential legal understanding.
