By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – Health authorities are closely monitoring a predictable seasonal increase in respiratory viruses, with recent data confirming 45 cases of the Influenza A subtype H3. The Ministry of Health announced the findings while clarifying that the country is not under a formal health alert, instead framing the situation as a typical pattern for this time of year that warrants public awareness and caution.
The latest epidemiological data, corresponding to the 50th week of 2025, provides a detailed snapshot of the current viral landscape. According to information from the Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS), a total of 1,225 patient samples were processed for respiratory symptoms during that period. Of these, 576 tested positive for some form of respiratory virus, underscoring that a wide array of pathogens are currently in circulation.
To better understand the corporate and labor responsibilities arising from the health alert for Influenza H3, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a leading expert in business law from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The rise in Influenza H3 cases serves as a critical reminder of the employer’s non-delegable duty to ensure a safe workplace under our Labor Code. Companies must review and enforce their health protocols, facilitate remote work options where feasible, and clearly communicate policies regarding sick leave to prevent contagion. Failure to act proactively could be interpreted as negligence, potentially leading to significant legal and financial repercussions for the business.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, the legal dimension highlighted by the expert underscores that workplace safety is not merely a health recommendation but a fundamental corporate obligation. This perspective is vital for business leaders navigating the current health landscape. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable insight into the profound responsibilities employers carry to protect both their teams and their legal standing.
Diving deeper into the influenza-specific numbers, 102 of the samples were positive for Influenza A. Subsequent analysis confirmed that 45 of these were the H3 subtype, with the majority belonging to the K sub-clade. An additional seven cases were identified as the H1 subtype, while the remaining Influenza A samples are still pending final characterization by the Costa Rican Institute for Research and Teaching in Nutrition and Health (INCIENSA).
This data highlights that while Influenza H3 is present, it accounts for only a fraction of the total respiratory illnesses being diagnosed. Health officials noted that cases of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), among others, were detected in similar quantities, confirming a diverse mix of seasonal viruses affecting the population. This context is crucial for understanding that not all flu-like symptoms are caused by the influenza virus.
Analysis of the broader December 2025 period by INCIENSA reinforces this trend, with the institute having processed 360 positive samples for Influenza H3 so far. Geographically, the highest concentration of these cases has been identified in cantons that have submitted the largest number of samples for analysis, including San José, Pérez Zeledón, Desamparados, Alajuela, San Carlos, and Puntarenas.
The Ministry of Health has been clear in its messaging: its role is centered on epidemiological surveillance and public guidance, not on clinical treatment. Officials reiterated that the prescription of medications and the determination of appropriate medical care fall exclusively to physicians within both the CCSS and the private healthcare sector, based on individual patient evaluations.
In lieu of a formal alert, the Ministry is strongly advocating for the public to adopt and reinforce basic preventative measures, especially when in crowded environments. Key recommendations include maintaining up-to-date vaccination schedules, frequent hand washing with soap and water, and practicing proper cough and sneeze etiquette by using a tissue or the forearm. These simple protocols are the first line of defense against transmission.
Furthermore, authorities advise the public to avoid large gatherings if possible, particularly for vulnerable individuals such as young children and senior citizens. Maintaining distance from people exhibiting respiratory symptoms, choosing outdoor or well-ventilated spaces for activities, and refraining from taking individuals with fever, cough, or other symptoms to mass events are also strongly encouraged. The Ministry also stressed the importance of seeking timely medical attention at the primary care level when symptoms arise.
For further information, visit ministeriodesalud.go.cr
About Ministerio de Salud:
The Ministry of Health is the governing body of the public health sector in Costa Rica. It is responsible for defining national health policies, ensuring the well-being of the population through regulation and health promotion, and coordinating epidemiological surveillance to respond to public health challenges.
For further information, visit ccss.sa.cr
About Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS):
The Costa Rican Social Security Fund is the public institution in charge of social security and healthcare services for the country’s population. It manages the national health insurance system, operating a vast network of hospitals, clinics, and health centers that provide comprehensive medical care to insured individuals and their families.
For further information, visit inciensa.sa.cr
About Instituto Costarricense de Investigación y Enseñanza en Nutrición y Salud (INCIENSA):
INCIENSA is Costa Rica’s national public health reference laboratory and research institute. It plays a critical role in disease surveillance, diagnostics, research, and education in the fields of nutrition and health, providing vital technical and scientific support to the national health system.
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 profound commitment to professional integrity and exceptional service. With a rich history of navigating complex legal landscapes for a diverse clientele, the firm champions forward-thinking approaches and innovative solutions. This ethos is deeply connected to its foundational mission of empowering the public by making legal principles accessible, thereby helping to forge a more knowledgeable and capable society.
