AGP Executive Report

Mpox Watch: Costa Rica’s Ministry of Health confirmed two new monkeypox (mpox) cases in San José (men, ages 25 and 55) and activated epidemiological surveillance, including contact tracing; officials say the cases were detected early, patients are under medical monitoring, and there’s no sign of a high-risk spread to the general public. Hydration Reminder: With mid-year heat and vacations underway, the College of Nutrition Professionals (CPN) warns people not to wait for thirst—dehydration can quickly affect concentration and physical performance and can escalate to heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Asthma & Vitamins: A new study in Thorax links higher vitamin A and D levels to better lung function in people with asthma, using Costa Rica’s GACRS child data and an adult lung-function cohort. Avian Flu Update: SENASA renewed beach warnings after unusual bird behavior near Manuel Antonio; authorities confirmed highly pathogenic avian influenza H5 in a blue-footed booby, while stressing poultry remains safe and pelicans were not the confirmed case. Oral Health Leadership: Unspoken Smiles expanded its 2026 fellowship, adding 30 fellows across Costa Rica, Panama, Peru, and Nicaragua to support school screenings and prevention-focused cavity reduction.

Asthma & Vitamins: A new study in Thorax links higher vitamin A levels with better lung function in children and adults with asthma, and higher vitamin D with better lung function plus slower “lung cell aging” in adults—using Costa Rica’s GACRS and ODOLLFA asthma cohorts. Monkeypox (Mpox) Watch: Costa Rica confirmed two monkeypox cases in San José (men ages 25 and 55), with no recent travel and no epidemiological link; health authorities activated surveillance and say transmission risk to the general public is low. Avian Flu Beach Alert: SENASA reported a highly pathogenic avian influenza H5 case in a blue-footed booby near Manuel Antonio; officials stressed poultry remains safe and started wildlife monitoring after unusual pelican reports. Health Access Pressure: A family says a 71-year-old at Calderón Guardia Hospital waited three days in a wheelchair for diverticulitis care, sparking complaints about delays and communication during high emergency demand. Oral Health Leadership: Unspoken Smiles expanded its fellowship network, adding 30 new oral-health fellows across Costa Rica, Panama, Peru, and Nicaragua, with prevention work including school screenings in San José. Longevity Debate: A wellness-focused piece highlights claims that Blue Zones residents “don’t go to the gym,” emphasizing natural daily movement and food-based nutrition.

Mpox Alert in San José: Costa Rica’s Ministry of Health confirmed two monkeypox (mpox) cases in men aged 25 and 55 and launched contact monitoring and prevention guidance, urging hygiene, avoiding close skin-to-skin contact with people who have compatible lesions, and not sharing personal items. Vitamin Boost for Asthma Care: A new Thorax study using Costa Rica’s GACRS and ODOLLFA cohorts links higher vitamin A to better lung function in children and adults with asthma, and higher vitamin D to improved lung function and slower lung-cell aging in adults. Health System Pressure at Calderón Guardia: A 71-year-old reportedly waited three days for care at Calderón Guardia Hospital for a broken arm and diverticulitis, prompting complaints about delays and medication access amid emergency demand. Oral Health Leadership: Unspoken Smiles expanded its fellowship network, adding 30 fellows from Costa Rica, Panama, Peru, and Nicaragua to train future oral health leaders and support school screenings. Tourism Spending Shift: New data suggests Costa Rica is welcoming more short-stay air travelers who spend more per trip, a trend with implications for hotels and wellness-focused operators.

Mpox Update (Costa Rica): Costa Rica’s Ministry of Health confirmed two monkeypox (mpox) cases in men aged 25 and 55 in San José, launching epidemiological investigations, contact monitoring, and prevention guidance. Asthma & Nutrition Research: A new Thorax study using Costa Rica’s GACRS child cohort and an adult asthma cohort found higher vitamin A linked to better lung function, and higher vitamin D tied to improved lung function and slower lung-cell aging in adults. Health System Pressure (CCSS): A 71-year-old woman’s family says she waited three days for care at Calderón Guardia Hospital for a broken arm and diverticulitis, alleging delays in tests and antibiotics and poor communication. Disaster Response (Venezuela): DHL deployed a disaster response team and multiple aid flights to support medical supplies and mosquito nets after June earthquakes, while Costa Rican animal rescuers joined efforts to treat and feed displaced pets. Tourism & Wellness Context: New data suggests Costa Rica air-arrival visitors are staying fewer nights but spending more, a shift that could affect demand for premium lodging and wellness experiences.

Vitamin & Lung Health: A new Thorax study using Costa Rica’s GACRS and ODOLLFA asthma cohorts links higher vitamin A to better lung function in kids and adults, and higher vitamin D to improved lung function plus slower lung-cell aging in adults. Mpox Alert in Costa Rica: The Ministry of Health confirmed two monkeypox (mpox) cases in San José and activated contact monitoring and prevention guidance. Monkeypox Transmission Guidance: Authorities urged hygiene, frequent handwashing, avoiding close skin-to-skin contact (including sexual contact) with people who have compatible lesions, and not sharing towels, bedding, or utensils. Tourism & Wallet Impact: Costa Rica’s air-arrival visitors are staying fewer days but spending more—2025 averaged 10.3 nights and $1,848 per trip—signaling a shift toward higher-spend travel. Health & Cost Pressure: A report flags Costa Rica as increasingly expensive in Latin America, with housing costs rising sharply for many families. Local Public Health & Payments: Costa Rica is moving to track SINPE Móvil business payments by requiring phone numbers used for digital transfers to be reported for electronic invoicing compliance.

Mpox Watch: Costa Rica’s Ministry of Health confirmed two monkeypox (mpox) cases in San José and launched contact monitoring and prevention guidance, urging hygiene, avoiding close skin-to-skin contact with people who have compatible lesions, and not sharing personal items. Asthma & Vitamins: A new Thorax study using Costa Rica asthma cohorts links higher vitamin A and vitamin D levels with better lung function, and suggests vitamin D may relate to slower lung-cell aging in adults. Food Safety Recall: MorningStar Farms recalled specific lots of plant-based Buffalo Chik’n Nuggets and Hot & Spicy Sausage Patties sold in the U.S., Puerto Rico, and Costa Rica after reports of plastic pieces; consumers are told to discard affected packages and request refunds. Public Health Alerts: Costa Rica’s Ministry of Health also issued a travel warning tied to a measles surge across the Americas. Local Health & Community: Nursing students from the University of Hawaiʻi gained hands-on experience in Guanacaste, supporting local medical teams with intake, vitals, and patient education. Health Systems & Access: Costa Rica’s “red” taxi fleet shrank after permit renewals expired, a change that could affect everyday mobility for patients and caregivers.

Mpox Watch: Costa Rica’s Ministry of Health confirmed two monkeypox (mpox) cases in San José (ages 25 and 55) and launched contact monitoring and prevention steps, urging hygiene, avoiding close skin-to-skin contact with people who have compatible lesions, and not sharing personal items. Asthma & Nutrition Research: A new Thorax study using Costa Rica’s asthma cohorts links higher vitamin A levels to better lung function in children and adults, and higher vitamin D to improved lung function plus slower lung-cell aging in adults. Cost-of-Living Pressure: New reporting says Costa Rica is becoming one of the most expensive places to live in Latin America, with housing costs—especially in the Greater Metropolitan Area—standing out as a major strain. Food Safety Recall: MorningStar Farms recalled specific plant-based Buffalo Chik’n Nuggets and Hot & Spicy Sausage Patties in the U.S., Puerto Rico, and Costa Rica after customers reported plastic pieces in food. Mpox & Public Health Reminder: Officials reiterated mpox spreads mainly through close physical contact, including contact with lesions and body fluids, and recommended extra caution around affected individuals.

Vitamin Boost for Asthma: A new Thorax study links higher vitamin A and D levels with better lung function in people with asthma, using Costa Rica’s GACRS child cohort and an adult biobank, with vitamin D also tied to slower lung-cell aging in adults. Public Health Alert: Costa Rica’s Ministry of Health issued a travel warning after a surge in measles cases across the Americas, urging extra caution for travelers. Disease Watch for Livestock: New World screwworm is expanding beyond its traditional range, with recent detections in southern Texas raising stakes for animal health monitoring across the region. Local Health & Climate Response: Costa Rica’s week-long Caribbean and Northern Zone flood emergency is winding down, with shelters closed and displaced residents returning home as damage assessments begin. Wellness Tourism Push: Costa Rica continues leaning into higher-value wellness travel, highlighting longer stays and “Pura Vida” experiences as part of its tourism strategy. Wildlife Restoration: White-lipped peccaries have returned to Piedras Blancas National Park after years without confirmed records, marking a major conservation win.

Vitamin Boost for Asthma: A new Thorax study using Costa Rica’s GACRS and an adult asthma cohort links higher vitamin A to better lung function and higher vitamin D to stronger lung capacity and slower lung-cell aging in adults. Measles Travel Alert: Costa Rica’s Ministry of Health issued a preventative warning as measles cases surge across the Americas; five imported or import-related cases have been reported in Costa Rica this year. Local Health in Focus: Costa Rica’s flood emergency in the Caribbean and Northern Zone is winding down, with shelters closed and displaced residents returning home as damage assessments begin. Disease Watch for Livestock & People: New World screwworm continues to spread in the region, with major implications for animal health and human cases as it moves north. Wellness Tourism Push: Costa Rica is leaning harder into higher-value wellness and longer-stay tourism, including campaigns aimed at travelers seeking nature, community, and regenerative experiences. Humanitarian Aid: Costa Rica-based rescuers and partners are being thanked for their role in the rescue of Venezuelan quake survivor Hernán Gil.

Measles Travel Alert: Costa Rica’s Ministry of Health issued a preventative warning as measles cases surge across the Americas, noting 5 imported or import-related cases in Costa Rica this year and urging travelers to be fully vaccinated before trips. Mosquito-Borne Updates: Health officials confirmed a chikungunya outbreak in Playa Langosta (Guanacaste) with 4 confirmed and 17 probable cases, while dengue remains a concern with 1,411 cases reported through week 24 and a rise since late April—prompting stronger mosquito-control and repellent guidance. Vitamin Study for Asthma: A new study in Thorax links higher blood levels of vitamins A and D with better lung function in people with asthma, using Costa Rica’s asthma cohort data among others. Flood Emergency Winds Down: Costa Rica’s Caribbean and Northern Zone flood shelters are closing as rains ease, with more than 250 people returning home and authorities shifting to damage assessments. Wellness Tourism Push: Costa Rica continues leaning into “wellness capital” branding and higher-value travel, including a Spain activation promoting “Surfing the Pura Vida.” Banana Innovation Move: Tropic acquired Rahan Meristem, expanding large-scale banana plant propagation in Costa Rica and other regions to boost disease resistance and reduce waste. Local Safety Tragedy: A Costa Rican influencer and her boyfriend were fatally shot in their home in La Cruz, Guanacaste, as investigators continue the active case.

Measles Travel Alert: Costa Rica’s Ministry of Health issued a preventative warning as measles cases surge across the Americas, noting five imported or import-related cases in 2026 and urging travelers to confirm they’re fully vaccinated before trips. Mosquito-Borne Disease Push: Health authorities confirmed a chikungunya outbreak in Playa Langosta (near Tamarindo) with 4 confirmed and 17 probable cases, ramping up fumigation and home inspections while urging residents and visitors to use repellent and remove standing water. Dengue Update + Repellent Guidance: With dengue cases rising since late April, Costa Rica reported 1,411 cases through epidemiological week 24 and highlighted plant-based options—especially oil of lemon eucalyptus (PMD/OLE)—as a science-backed repellent choice. Asthma Nutrition Study: A new study in Thorax linked higher vitamin A and D levels to better lung function in people with asthma, including slower biological aging markers in adults. EMS Use Pattern Study: New research in Health Affairs Scholar found 3% of patients account for 16% of U.S. 911 EMS responses, raising questions about incentives and care access for repeat users. Flood Emergency Winds Down: Costa Rica’s Caribbean/Northern Zone flood shelters have closed as displaced residents return home, shifting response into damage assessment after Tropical Waves #19 and #20.

Measles Alert: Costa Rica’s Ministry of Health issued a travel warning after a surge in measles cases across the Americas, noting 22,974 confirmed cases (weeks 1–25 of 2026) and 5 imported/import-related cases detected in Costa Rica this year; officials urged travelers to be fully vaccinated before trips. Mosquito-Borne Updates: Health authorities confirmed a chikungunya outbreak in Playa Langosta (near Tamarindo) with 4 confirmed and 17 probable cases, triggering intensified mosquito control and home fumigation; separately, dengue cases in Costa Rica have risen since late April, with guidance to use repellent and prevent standing water. Humanitarian Aid: Costa Rica’s Red Cross and other responders were publicly thanked by Venezuela’s acting president, Delcy Rodríguez, after the rescue of Hernán Gil, highlighting cross-country coordination after the June earthquakes. Animal Health: Costa Rica reported 31,324 positive screwworm cases over two years (Feb 2024–Feb 2026), describing a large-scale emergency response focused on surveillance, animal movement controls, and rapid treatment.

Measles Travel Alert: Costa Rica’s Ministry of Health issued a warning as measles cases surge across the Americas, urging travelers to confirm they’re fully vaccinated before trips; the region has reported a sharp rise in cases and deaths, and Costa Rica has logged a small number of imported or import-related cases this year. Chikungunya in Guanacaste: Health officials confirmed a chikungunya outbreak in Playa Langosta near Tamarindo, with four confirmed and 17 probable cases, prompting expanded mosquito control and home inspections—residents and visitors are urged to use repellent and remove standing water. Dengue Update + Repellent Guidance: Costa Rica reported 1,411 dengue cases through epidemiological week 24 of 2026, with authorities warning the upward trend has returned since late April; a plant-based option highlighted is oil of lemon eucalyptus (PMD/OLE) for mosquito protection. Venezuela Quake Relief (Costa Rica Role): Venezuela’s acting president publicly thanked Costa Rican rescuers—especially the Costa Rican Red Cross—for helping save survivor Hernán Gil after eight days trapped under rubble, praising cross-border coordination and solidarity. Animal Health (Screwworm): Costa Rica reported 31,324 positive screwworm cases over two years, describing a nationwide emergency response focused on surveillance, animal movement controls, and rapid treatment to limit spread.

Venezuela Earthquake Relief (Costa Rica response): Costa Rica is sending critical humanitarian aid to Venezuela as the quake death toll nears 3,000, with goods including food and hygiene supplies plus diapers being sorted and packed in Pavas under coordination by the National Emergency Commission (CNE) and the Costa Rican Fire Department, while the Costa Rican Red Cross continues frontline work. Venezuela Rescue (health angle): A dramatic international rescue pulled a security guard, Hernán Alberto Gil Flores, alive after more than a week under rubble, with rescuers reporting he received water and medical support during the extraction—highlighting the urgent need for field care after mass disasters. Local Health & Safety (dengue): Costa Rica’s Ministry of Health reports 1,411 cumulative dengue cases in 2026, noting a sustained rise since epidemiological week 17 and 24 cases classified as “dengue with warning signs,” requiring close monitoring. Health Policy & Access (elder care costs): New reporting shows private long-stay elder care in Costa Rica can cost ₡500,000–₡1.6 million per month, leaving many families to cover gaps as the population ages quickly. Environment with public-health stakes: Costa Rica removed the Corcovado Park director after protests tied to reduced visitor capacity at Sirena, triggered by a years-long sewage discharge inside the protected area—an issue that can affect sanitation and disease risk.

Dengue Watch (Costa Rica): The Ministry of Health reports 1,411 cumulative dengue cases in 2026, with a sustained rise since epidemiological week 17 and 24 “dengue with warning signs” cases—officials warn the gap vs last year could close fast if the upward trend continues. Asthma & Lung Health (Study): New research in Thorax links vitamins A and D to better lung function in people with asthma, using Costa Rica’s GACRS and adult ODOLLFA data. Corcovado Park Oversight: Environment Minister Mónica Navarro Del Valle reassigned the Osa Conservation Area director after protests tied to Corcovado’s Sirena sector sewage discharge and a visitor-cap reduction. Care Costs (Aging & Eldercare): A new report highlights how private long-stay elder care in Costa Rica can run from about ₡500,000 to ₡1.6 million per month, leaving many families to cover gaps as the population ages. Regional Health Response (Venezuela quake): Medical care for nearly 20,000 people is reported after the June 24 earthquakes, as rescue and treatment efforts continue.

Bilateral Health & Pharma: Costa Rica’s foreign minister says India could be a key partner for affordable medicine, with talks expected on AI, pharmaceuticals, education, semiconductors, and clean energy. Dengue Watch: Costa Rica’s Health Ministry reports 1,411 cumulative dengue cases in 2026 (about 8% fewer than the same period in 2025) but warns a sustained rise since epidemiological week 17 is pushing toward the alert zone; 24 cases include warning signs needing close monitoring. Asthma Nutrition: A new study in Thorax links vitamins A and D to better lung function in people with asthma, using Costa Rica’s GACRS and adult ODOLLFA data. Elder Care Costs: Research highlights how private long-stay elder care in Costa Rica can run from ₡500,000 to ₡1.6 million per month, leaving families to cover large gaps as the population ages. Regional Health Response: Costa Rica joined an international rescue in Venezuela after twin earthquakes, including medical support for a survivor pulled from rubble after eight days.