Hepatitis A Outbreak in Costa Rica: What Travelers Should Know

Costa Rica is dealing with an outbreak of hepatitis A, with most reported cases concentrated in San José province. Hepatitis A is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV), and it usually spreads through contaminated food or water or through close contact with an infected person. While many people recover fully, the illness can still cause significant disruption, especially for travelers, families, and food service settings where transmission risks can increase.

The outbreak does not mean all parts of Costa Rica are facing the same level of risk, but it does make basic hygiene and food safety more important. People visiting or living in San José should pay close attention to local public health guidance, especially if they plan to eat from informal vendors, attend large gatherings, or stay in shared accommodations. Because HAV can spread before symptoms appear, outbreaks can expand quietly if prevention measures are not followed.

What hepatitis A looks like

Symptoms often appear two to seven weeks after exposure. Common signs include fever, tiredness, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, dark urine, pale stools, joint pain, and jaundice, which is yellowing of the skin or eyes. Some children may have very mild symptoms or none at all, but they can still pass the virus to others.

In many healthy adults, hepatitis A clears on its own with rest, fluids, and supportive care. However, recovery can take weeks, and some people feel fatigued for months. Severe illness is less common but can happen, particularly in older adults or people with existing liver disease.

How to reduce your risk

The most effective protection against hepatitis A is vaccination. People planning travel to Costa Rica, especially to San José province, should check whether they are vaccinated and discuss timing with a healthcare provider if departure is soon. Even when vaccination is not possible before travel, careful hygiene still lowers the chance of infection.

• Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after using the bathroom and before eating or preparing food.
• Drink water from sealed bottles or sources considered safe by local authorities.
• Choose food that is freshly cooked and served hot.
• Avoid raw or undercooked shellfish and foods that may have been handled extensively after cooking.
• Be cautious with ice, cut fruit, and uncooked items if you are unsure how they were prepared.

If you develop symptoms during or after a trip, seek medical advice promptly and mention possible exposure in Costa Rica. Early evaluation will not cure the virus, but it can help confirm the diagnosis, guide supportive care, and reduce the chance of spreading the infection to others at home, work, or school.

What this means for travelers and residents

For most travelers, the current situation is a reminder to prepare rather than a reason to cancel plans automatically. Checking vaccine status, following food and water precautions, and monitoring official updates are practical steps. Residents in affected areas should also be alert to community guidance on sanitation, case reporting, and any advisories linked to restaurants, schools, or local events.

Because hepatitis A is preventable, outbreaks can often be contained when public awareness rises quickly. Anyone who may have been exposed should avoid preparing food for others if they feel unwell and should follow medical advice about testing and recovery. Staying informed and taking simple preventive measures remain the best ways to lower risk while Costa Rica responds to the outbreak.