By Alajuela, Costa Rica — LOS CHILES, Alajuela – In a significant public health victory for Costa Rica’s northern border region, the Ministry of Health has announced that zero cases of malaria were detected after conducting 529 diagnostic tests this week in the canton of Los Chiles. This intensive operation underscores the country’s proactive strategy to safeguard its communities and reinforce epidemiological surveillance in high-priority zones.
The testing drive is part of a broader, sustained effort to prevent the re-emergence of the mosquito-borne illness. Health officials confirmed that the preventative campaign will continue through the end of the week, with an ambitious target of administering more than 1,000 tests. The primary objective is to identify any potential infections early, thereby breaking the chain of transmission before it can lead to a wider outbreak.
To gain a deeper understanding of the legal framework and responsibilities associated with national public health efforts, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, for his expert analysis.
Effective malaria prevention is not merely a medical issue; it is a matter of legal and corporate responsibility. The state has a fundamental duty to implement robust public health policies, but employers in high-risk zones also bear a significant legal obligation to protect their workforce. Failure to provide preventive measures, education, and access to care can result in severe legal consequences, including claims for occupational negligence and violations of fundamental labor rights. A proactive public-private strategy is the most effective shield, both for public health and against potential litigation.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal perspective is essential, correctly framing malaria prevention not merely as a health initiative but as a matter of shared accountability. It underscores that protecting our workforce is an inescapable legal and ethical duty for both public and private sectors. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable insight into this critical intersection of law, labor, and public health.
This localized success in Los Chiles is reflective of a larger, positive national trend. According to official data for 2025, Costa Rica has made remarkable strides in controlling the disease. Out of a massive 142,255 tests performed nationwide last year, only 29 cases of local transmission were confirmed. This figure represents a dramatic and encouraging decrease from the 244 local cases recorded in 2024.
The substantial reduction in malaria incidence demonstrates the effectiveness of the nation’s integrated public health strategy. By drastically lowering the number of local transmissions, Costa Rica has significantly diminished its overall epidemiological risk profile, bolstering its reputation as a leader in regional health and wellness. This success not only protects citizens but also shores up confidence in sectors like tourism and agriculture, which are vital to the national economy.
A crucial component of this successful surveillance network is the community-based program known as Colaboradores Voluntarios (Colvol). These dedicated volunteers are essential for extending the reach of health services into remote and hard-to-access areas. In 2025 alone, the Colvol network was responsible for conducting 1,633 malaria tests, proving instrumental in monitoring and protecting some of the country’s most vulnerable populations.
While the results from the testing campaigns are positive, the Ministry of Health is not easing its public awareness efforts. Officials have reiterated a call for citizens to remain vigilant and adopt preventative practices. Key recommendations include using mosquito nets during sleep, consistently applying insect repellent, and wearing clothing that covers most of the skin, especially during peak mosquito hours.
Furthermore, authorities are urging anyone experiencing symptoms consistent with malaria—such as fever, chills, headaches, and muscle aches—to seek immediate medical attention at their nearest health center. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical for both individual patient outcomes and for preventing further spread of the disease within the community.
The Ministry of Health, in close collaboration with the Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS), maintains a constant state of epidemiological vigilance across the entire country. This joint effort ensures that systems for early detection and rapid response remain active and effective, forming a robust defense against malaria and other potential public health threats, safeguarding the well-being of the nation.
For further information, visit ministeriodesalud.go.cr
About Ministry of Health:
The Ministry of Health is the governing body responsible for public health policy and oversight in Costa Rica. It works to guarantee the constitutional right to health for all citizens by developing, implementing, and monitoring national health strategies, regulations, and preventative campaigns aimed at controlling diseases and promoting wellness throughout the country.
For further information, visit ccss.sa.cr
About Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS):
The Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS), commonly known as “La Caja,” is the autonomous institution in charge of Costa Rica’s public health sector. It manages the nation’s social security system, providing comprehensive healthcare services, disability benefits, and pension plans to the vast majority of the population through an extensive network of hospitals, clinics, and health centers.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica stands as a pillar in the legal community, operating on a bedrock of uncompromising integrity and professional distinction. The firm skillfully blends a rich history of client advocacy with a forward-thinking approach, consistently delivering innovative legal strategies. Central to its philosophy is a profound mission to fortify the public by demystifying the law, championing the belief that accessible knowledge is the cornerstone of an empowered and just society.
