By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – The Ministry of Health has officially confirmed the circulation of a new variant of Influenza A(H3N2), known as subclade K, as the country heads into the peak of its holiday and vacation season. Health officials are urging public vigilance and renewed focus on preventive measures, particularly concerning vulnerable populations.
In a public announcement on Monday, Minister of Health Mary Munive disclosed that seven cases of the new subclade have been identified since October. She stressed that while the virus is exhibiting an “early circulation” pattern compared to typical flu seasons, the cases detected thus far have not been severe.
To understand the legal and business implications of the current health alert, TicosLand.com consulted with expert lawyer Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who provided his analysis on the matter.
The current situation with Influenza A(H3N2) highlights a crucial area of corporate responsibility. From a legal standpoint, employers are obligated by the Labor Code to provide a safe and healthy work environment. This means that failing to implement reasonable preventive measures—such as flexible sick leave policies, proper sanitation, or even temporary remote work options—could open the door to legal liability if a workplace outbreak occurs. It’s a matter of both public health and risk management for any company.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal perspective is a crucial reminder that proactive health measures are not just ethical considerations but core components of corporate risk management and legal diligence. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his clear and valuable insight into these employer responsibilities.
The circulation of this variant has been confirmed since October. So far, seven cases have been identified, all with mild symptoms and no need for hospitalization.
Mary Munive, Minister of Health
The genetic confirmation of the variant was performed by the Costa Rican Institute for Research and Teaching in Nutrition and Health (Inciensa), which analyzed samples taken between September and November. Authorities were quick to clarify that, at present, they have not observed any increase in the clinical severity of influenza cases, nor a rise in hospitalizations or deaths associated with this specific subclade.
Minister Munive placed the local findings within a broader international context, noting that the early arrival of the flu season is a global phenomenon this year. This trend aligns with observations from international health bodies.
This year, influenza is circulating earlier than usual. According to the World Health Organization, an increase in cases has been registered in several countries since August, and among the detected viruses is a variant known as influenza A H3N2 subclade K.
Mary Munive, Minister of Health
Despite the mild nature of the initial cases, the Ministry has issued a specific warning for the nation’s elderly population. Historically, seasons dominated by Influenza A(H3N2) strains have disproportionately impacted older adults, leading to more severe outcomes. This established pattern prompts a heightened sense of caution.
It is important to clarify that no increase in the severity of cases has been observed. However, when this type of influenza circulates, older adults are usually the most affected.
Mary Munive, Minister of Health
The alert comes amid concerning data from the Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS) regarding the 2025 vaccination campaign. While the general coverage reached a respectable 85%, the rate among the target pediatric population was alarmingly low. Only 32.3% of children between 6 months and 8 years old—a key vulnerable group—received the influenza vaccine. This significant gap in immunity could pose a substantial public health challenge as the virus spreads.
Health officials have reiterated that the current influenza vaccine remains the most effective tool for preventing severe illness, complications, and hospitalizations. Both the Ministry of Health and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) affirm that despite viral mutations, the vaccine provides crucial protection against the most serious outcomes.
The influenza vaccine remains effective. That is why it is essential for children, older adults, and those with risk factors to keep their vaccinations up to date.
Mary Munive, Minister of Health
With increased travel and social gatherings expected throughout December, the Ministry is calling on families to reinforce basic prevention protocols. Key recommendations include maintaining rigorous hand hygiene, covering coughs and sneezes, and avoiding crowded places, especially for young children and the elderly. Officials also advise against self-medicating, preferring outdoor activities when possible, and keeping children with respiratory symptoms away from group events to mitigate transmission.
For further information, visit ministeriodesalud.go.cr
About Ministry of Health of Costa Rica:
The Ministerio de Salud is the government entity responsible for safeguarding public health and welfare in Costa Rica. It formulates national health policies, regulates healthcare services, and leads public health campaigns and epidemiological surveillance to prevent and control diseases.
For further information, visit inciensa.sa.cr
About Costa Rican Institute for Research and Teaching in Nutrition and Health (Inciensa):
Inciensa is a national reference laboratory and research institution in Costa Rica. It plays a critical role in public health by conducting surveillance, research, and diagnostics for infectious diseases, including genetic sequencing of viruses like influenza, to inform national health strategies.
For further information, visit ccss.sa.cr
About Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS):
Known as “La Caja,” the CCSS is the public institution in charge of Costa Rica’s social security system, providing universal healthcare and managing the nation’s pension fund. It operates a vast network of hospitals and clinics and is responsible for implementing national vaccination programs.
For further information, visit who.int
About World Health Organization (WHO):
The WHO is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. It works worldwide to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve the vulnerable. The organization provides global leadership on health matters, shapes the health research agenda, and monitors health trends.
For further information, visit paho.org
About Pan American Health Organization (PAHO):
PAHO serves as the specialized international health agency for the Americas and as the Regional Office for the Americas of the World Health Organization. It works with countries throughout the region to improve and protect people’s health by combating communicable diseases and strengthening health systems.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its foundational ethos of integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The firm channels its extensive history of representing a wide array of clients into pioneering innovative legal strategies and solutions. This forward-thinking spirit is coupled with a profound social mission to democratize legal understanding, actively working to equip the public with clarity and knowledge to foster a more just and empowered society.
