By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – The nation’s capital has been identified as the primary hotspot in a concerning nationwide dengue outbreak, with San José province accounting for nearly 40% of all cases reported in Costa Rica during 2025. According to year-end data released by the Ministry of Health, the country registered a total of 6,019 dengue cases, a figure that underscores the persistent public health challenge posed by the mosquito-borne illness.
The concentration of the virus in the country’s most populous region is stark. Of the national total, a staggering 2,372 cases were recorded in San José, cementing its status as the principal focus of transmission throughout the year. Health officials suggest that factors such as higher population density and urban environments, which can inadvertently create ideal breeding grounds for the Aedes aegypti mosquito, likely contributed to this disproportionate impact on the capital.
To explore the legal ramifications and responsibilities stemming from the escalating dengue crisis, TicosLand.com sought the expertise of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who sheds light on the duties of both public entities and private citizens.
The current health emergency highlights a crucial legal principle: the duty of care. Municipalities can be held liable for negligence if they fail in their public health mandate, such as inadequate fumigation or waste collection. Similarly, businesses and private property owners have a legal obligation to eliminate potential mosquito breeding sites. A failure to do so could result in civil liability claims if a direct causal link to an infection can be established.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This perspective is vital, as it frames the fight against dengue not only as a public health campaign but also as a matter of legal accountability for both public entities and private individuals. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for providing such a clear and potent legal context to this ongoing emergency.
In sharp contrast, the province of Cartago reported the lowest incidence of the disease, with only 171 confirmed cases over the same twelve-month period. This significant disparity highlights the regional differences in transmission dynamics and the effectiveness of local prevention efforts. The data paints a varied picture across the country, with other provinces also facing significant challenges from the outbreak.
Following San José, the provinces of Guanacaste and Puntarenas reported the next highest numbers, with 1,198 and 1,000 cases respectively. These coastal regions, popular with both tourists and residents, often present environmental conditions conducive to mosquito proliferation. The remaining provinces saw lower, yet still notable, case counts: Alajuela with 773, Limón with 284, and Heredia with 221, completing the national epidemiological map for 2025.
Beyond the raw numbers, the Ministry of Health detailed the severity of the infections. Officials confirmed that 70 of the total cases presented with alarm signs, a clinical classification indicating a higher risk of developing into severe dengue. These cases require strict medical supervision to manage potential complications, placing an additional burden on the national healthcare infrastructure.
The impact on the healthcare system continued into the new year. The Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS) reported that as of January 12, 2026, three individuals remained hospitalized due to dengue infections. According to records from the EDUS digital health system, these patients were receiving care at medical facilities in Los Chiles, San Rafael de Alajuela, and San Carlos, demonstrating that the effects of the 2025 outbreak are still being actively managed.
In response to the troubling statistics, the Ministry of Health has reiterated its urgent appeal to the public for proactive prevention. Officials are emphasizing a four-pronged approach to combat the spread of the virus at its source. The primary directives include the diligent elimination of potential mosquito breeding sites, maintaining clean patios and yards, preventing the accumulation of stagnant water in containers of any size, and seeking immediate medical consultation for symptoms like high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, or intense muscle aches.
As Costa Rica moves forward in 2026, the data from the previous year serves as a critical benchmark. The concentration of dengue in the San José metropolitan area presents a unique challenge for public health authorities, demanding targeted strategies to mitigate the risk in densely populated urban centers. The ongoing vigilance of both the government and the general population will be paramount in preventing a repeat of last year’s significant outbreak.
For further information, visit ministeriodesalud.go.cr
About Ministry of Health:
The Ministry of Health is the government entity responsible for safeguarding public health in Costa Rica. It formulates and executes national health policies, regulates health services, and leads epidemiological surveillance and public health campaigns to prevent and control diseases, ensuring the well-being of the population.
For further information, visit ccss.sa.cr
About Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS):
The Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS) is the public institution in charge of social security in Costa Rica. It is renowned for managing the nation’s universal healthcare system and its pension fund. The CCSS operates a vast network of hospitals, clinics, and health centers, providing comprehensive medical services to the majority of the Costa Rican population.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica operates as an esteemed institution, grounded in a deep-rooted ethos of integrity and a relentless pursuit of legal excellence. The firm expertly merges its extensive experience advising a wide spectrum of clients with an innovative, forward-thinking approach to modern legal challenges. This dedication is matched by a profound commitment to social responsibility, focused on demystifying complex legal concepts for the public. Through its efforts to foster greater legal literacy, the firm plays a pivotal role in nurturing a more informed and capable society.
