AGP Executive Report

Climate & Health: Costa Rica’s medical community is warning that El Niño could raise risks for cardiovascular, respiratory, skin/allergy, renal, and occupational problems—especially for older adults, children, pregnant people, and those with chronic conditions. Public Health & Safety: Costa Rica will run its national evacuation drill Wednesday, with offices, schools, clinics, hotels, and government buildings practicing a fast, planned exit—plus a reminder to actually set household/business emergency plans. Housing & Health Equity: San José Mayor Diego Miranda says about 2,300 people are living on the streets and is asking the national government to coordinate urgent support, calling it a failed policy with growing social and economic harm. Biodiversity & Wellness: Researchers identified a new endemic night frog in Costa Rican coffee plantations, highlighting how sustainable farming can support conservation and boost nature-based tourism. Health Access (Business): Peptides Costa Rica opened a San José service hub to expand local access to peptide solutions, including tirzepatide and retatrutide.

Emergency Care Update: Costa Rica has approved nighttime air ambulance flights under a new national protocol, allowing transfers only from five airfields/airports plus SJO—aimed at critically ill patients when waiting for daylight isn’t possible. Infectious Disease Watch: Chikungunya has resurfaced in Costa Rica, with CCSS records showing hundreds of related visits and the Ministry of Health reporting PCR-confirmed cases, raising concern for spread during the rainy season. Public Health Preparedness: Costa Rica’s eighth national evacuation drill is set for Wednesday at 10 a.m., with guidance to register, make a household plan, and report participation via the Simulacro CR app. Wellness & Lifestyle: Costa Rica’s Casa Chameleon at Las Catalinas is adding complimentary access to the Las Catalinas Doorway Program, bundling wellness, outdoor activity, and cultural experiences for guests. Global Context (Health-Adjacent): The World Happiness Report 2026 lists Costa Rica among the happiest countries, ranking it 4th worldwide.

Nighttime emergency care: Costa Rica has approved nighttime air ambulance flights under a national protocol, allowing transfers only from five airfields/airports plus SJO, for critically ill patients when waiting for daylight isn’t possible. Infectious disease watch: Chikungunya has resurfaced in Costa Rica, shifting from imported cases to community transmission as the mosquito vector is already present. Respiratory update: COVID-19 is again the most widely circulating respiratory virus in Costa Rica, with cases and hospitalizations rising week over week, though officials say there’s no national alert. Water safety: Costa Rica confirmed 14 hepatitis A cases tied to contamination in local water systems, with intensified surveillance and water supply inspections underway. Wellness travel (local): Casa Chameleon at Las Catalinas added complimentary access to the Las Catalinas Doorway Program, bundling wellness, hikes, farm tours, fitness classes, and cultural events for guests. Weight-loss/peptides access: Peptides Costa Rica expanded with a new San Jose service hub to broaden local access to peptide solutions, citing faster support and inventory confirmation. Public health & safety: Costa Rica warned pet owners and ranchers after rabies killed cattle in Golfito, urging vaccination in areas where vampire bats can spread the virus.

COVID-19 Watch: Costa Rica is seeing a renewed rise in COVID-19, with confirmed cases up to 126 in epidemiological week 29 (from 94 the prior week), hospitalizations climbing to 29 (from 18), and five reported deaths—health officials say there’s no national alert, but urge basic precautions. Vector-Borne Alert: Chikungunya is circulating again in Costa Rica, with CCSS records showing 438 treated cases (338 ER, 100 outpatient) and the Ministry of Health reporting 48 PCR-confirmed cases up to week 28, raising concern for spread during the rainy season. Emergency Care Update: Nighttime air ambulance flights are back on track after a national protocol was approved, allowing transfers for critically ill patients to operate from five airfields/airports plus SJO. Public Health Outbreaks: Costa Rica confirmed 14 hepatitis A cases tied to contamination in water systems in Aserrí and San Juan de Dios de Desamparados, with extra water inspections underway. Animal Health Warning: Rabies killed three cattle in Golfito (Pilón area), prompting quarantine and vaccination of 165 cattle, plus preventive treatment for people with direct contact. Health Access & Wellness Tourism: Peptides Costa Rica expanded with a new San José service hub to improve access to peptide solutions, while wellness tourism continues to reshape travel toward rest-focused, experience-based trips.

Chikungunya Watch: Costa Rica is seeing a return of chikungunya, with CCSS reporting 438 treated cases in 2016 and the Ministry of Health listing 48 PCR-confirmed cases (week 28), raising concern for possible rainy-season spread. Emergency Response: Costa Rica has approved nighttime air ambulance flights under a national protocol, limiting operations to specific airfields/airports and only for critically ill patients who can’t wait for daylight. Public Health Alerts: COVID-19 is again the most detected respiratory virus locally, with confirmed cases up to 126 in epidemiological week 29 and hospitalizations rising, plus five reported COVID-19 deaths that week. Water Safety: Costa Rica confirmed 14 hepatitis A cases tied to contamination in the Aserrí and San Juan de Dios de Desamparados water systems, with intensified surveillance and water system inspections. Animal Health: Rabies warnings continue after a cattle outbreak in Golfito killed three animals; authorities quarantined the farm and ordered vaccination of all 165 cattle. Health Security: Gunmen attacked a hospital in Nicoya, executing an inpatient in a patient care area, prompting an active OIJ investigation.

COVID-19 Update: Costa Rica is seeing a renewed rise in COVID-19, with cases up about 34% week over week (126 vs. 94) and hospitalizations up about 56% (29 vs. 18), plus five reported deaths—health officials say there’s no national alert, but basic precautions are still urged. Hepatitis A & Water Safety: The Ministry of Health confirmed 14 hepatitis A cases tied to contamination in the Aserrí and San Juan de Dios de Desamparados areas, with no hospitalizations or deaths reported so far; authorities are intensifying surveillance and running extra checks on local water supply systems. Rabies Warning for Pets & Livestock: A rabies outbreak in Golfito (Pilón) killed three cattle, prompting quarantine and vaccination of 165 animals, along with preventive treatment for people with direct contact—officials stress keeping pets vaccinated, especially where vampire bats are present. Public Health & Safety Crime: Gunmen attacked a Nicoya hospital, killing an inpatient and wounding an elderly woman, raising concerns about security in healthcare settings. Longevity Spotlight: A 119-year-old Costa Rican man, Jose Flores, credits daily walking, hard work, faith, and simple eating (gallo pinto plus cheese and bananas) for his long life. Wellness Tourism Angle: A new wave of coverage frames Costa Rica as a “wellness capital,” tying health travel to nature and community rather than packaged retreats.

Hospital Violence: Two hitmen broke into La Anexión hospital in Nicoya and executed an inpatient, injuring an elderly woman; investigators say the victim had been under police protection ordered by prosecutors, raising questions about how attackers reached the care area. Rabies Alert: Costa Rica warned pet owners and ranchers after rabies killed cattle in Golfito; the farm was quarantined and all 165 cattle ordered vaccinated, with preventive treatment for people with contact. Hepatitis A Update: The Ministry of Health confirmed 14 hepatitis A cases tied to contamination concerns in Aserrí and San Juan de Dios de Desamparados, with active surveillance and an extraordinary inspection of local water systems. Vaping Rules Delayed: Costa Rica’s flavored vape deadline slipped again—regulations were supposed to take effect Aug. 6, but a decree pushed the tighter market rules to Aug. 6, 2027, while current restrictions still apply. Longevity in Nicoya: A 119-year-old Costa Rican man, Jose Flores, credits daily walking, hard work, faith, and simple meals like gallo pinto for his long life, highlighting the Nicoya “Blue Zone” lifestyle. Wellness Tourism Angle: A new piece argues Costa Rica is becoming a wellness capital because nature and sustainability are built into daily life, not just a retreat theme.

Hepatitis A Update: Costa Rica’s Ministry of Health confirmed 14 hepatitis A cases tied to contamination concerns in affected communities, with no hospitalizations or deaths reported so far, and officials ramping up surveillance plus water-system inspections after finding differences between supply networks. Rabies Alert (Livestock): A rabies outbreak in Golfito killed three cattle and triggered quarantine and vaccination of 165 animals, with preventive treatment for people with direct contact—another reminder to keep pets vaccinated in vampire-bat risk areas. CBD in Sports: Researchers at Universidad Nacional reviewed 70 studies and say CBD may have anti-inflammatory and pain-related benefits and could support recovery and performance, while stressing more clinical proof is still needed. Vape Rules Delayed: Costa Rica’s flavored vape deadline was pushed from Aug. 6, 2026 to Aug. 6, 2027, but the current restrictions (including public-space bans and limits on certain ingredients) remain in effect. Longevity Spotlight: A 119-year-old Costa Rican man, Jose Flores, credits daily walking, faith, and a simple diet (gallo pinto) for his long life, tying into the Nicoya “blue zone” reputation. Wellness & Lifestyle Trend: Costa Rica continues to be marketed as a wellness capital—less “spa schedule” and more nature-and-community living—while a separate report highlights how “hotcation” travel is reshaping health-minded vacation choices. Public Health Risk (Environment): A new look at pesticide use points to heavy chemical runoff impacts on the Caribbean coast’s rivers and ecosystems, raising concerns for long-term health and food-chain effects.

Rabies Alert: Costa Rica’s Ministry of Health is warning pet owners and ranchers after paralytic bovine rabies killed three cattle in Pilón near Pavones, Golfito; the farm was quarantined and all 165 cattle ordered vaccinated, with preventive treatment for people with direct contact. Hepatitis A & Water Safety: Health authorities confirmed 14 hepatitis A cases tied to Aserrí and San Juan de Dios de Desamparados, with no hospitalizations or deaths so far, while an extraordinary inspection of local water supply systems analyzed 10 samples to pinpoint contamination risk. Vape Deadline Shift: Costa Rica’s flavored vape rules were set to start Aug. 6, but an executive decree moved the compliance deadline to Aug. 6, 2027—keeping the same restrictions in place (including flavor limits, nicotine cap, advertising ban, and labeling). Environmental Health Watch: A new report flags pesticide runoff draining the Caribbean tourism economy, citing heavy chemical use and detected pesticide mixtures in rivers feeding Limón’s mangroves and reefs. Wellness Trend: A Costa Rica-focused piece argues the country’s nature-based approach is driving its rise as a wellness destination, especially for older travelers seeking lower-stress longevity.

Workforce & Tech Skills: PROCOMER is pushing specialized training for export-focused industries, including a Talent Development Incentive for exporting firms/FTZ businesses and 10,000 Google Cloud + AI scholarships under the Talent Up initiative. Wellness Tourism Spotlight: A new piece argues Costa Rica is becoming the next global wellness capital, leaning on nature and sustainability rather than “escape for a week” packages. Public Health Policy Update: Costa Rica’s flavored vape rules were delayed—liquids that were set to leave shelves today can still be sold until Aug. 6, 2027, while existing restrictions (like vaping in many public places) remain in force. Environmental Health Risk: Research highlights pesticide runoff draining into Costa Rica’s Caribbean waters, with detected mixtures linked to likely toxic effects on aquatic life near plantations. Wildlife Protection: Costa Rica’s Wildlife Crossings Bill cleared final legislative approval, requiring crossings in infrastructure projects where roads fragment habitats, aiming to reduce animal deaths on roads. Cognitive Health: A Latin America trial found older adults at risk of dementia improved more with a structured, coach-led lifestyle program than with a flexible self-guided version.

Wellness Travel Spotlight: A new wave of travelers is looking beyond “spa week” escapes and toward Costa Rica-style wellness rooted in nature, sustainability, and community. Public Health & Environment: Costa Rica’s Caribbean tourism economy faces a pesticide runoff problem, with research pointing to chemical mixtures in rivers near banana and pineapple areas that can harm aquatic life. Tobacco Harm Reduction Policy: Costa Rica’s flavored vape deadline was pushed—rules still restrict where vaping is allowed and keep synthetic nicotine/cannabinoids banned, but the tighter market schedule now starts in 2027. Wildlife Protection: Costa Rica’s Legislative Assembly approved a Wildlife Crossings law requiring animal-safe structures in new and existing public infrastructure where roads fragment habitats. Longevity & Brain Health: A multi-country Latin America trial found older adults at risk of dementia improved more with a coach-led lifestyle program than with a self-guided version. Sports Nutrition Research: A Costa Rica-linked review says CBD may have anti-inflammatory and recovery-related benefits for athletes, while stressing more clinical proof is needed.

COVID-19 Update: Costa Rica’s Ministry of Health reports COVID-19 is still circulating, with week 29 showing 126 confirmed cases (+34%) and 28 average hospitalizations (+56%), plus five deaths—urging vaccines up to date, handwashing, staying home when sick, and better ventilation. Tobacco & Vaping Policy: Costa Rica’s flavored vape deadline slipped again: liquids were set to leave shelves Aug. 6, but an executive decree moved the compliance date to Aug. 6, 2027, while keeping existing restrictions in place (public-space bans, nicotine limits, labeling/lab rules). Wildlife Protection: The Legislative Assembly approved a Wildlife Crossings law requiring crossings in new and existing public infrastructure projects where roads fragment habitats, with designs tailored by scientific studies. Environmental Health: New reporting highlights pesticide runoff impacts on Costa Rica’s Caribbean waters, linking heavy farm chemical use to detected pesticide mixtures and higher ecological risk near plantations. Longevity & Wellness: A Costa Rica-linked dementia prevention trial found older adults at risk of cognitive decline improved more with a structured, coach-led lifestyle program than a flexible self-guided version. Sports & Recovery: A Costa Rica-based review says CBD may have anti-inflammatory and potentially performance-enhancing effects for athletes, while calling for more research.

Wildlife Protection: Costa Rica’s Legislative Assembly unanimously approved a Wildlife Crossings Bill requiring wildlife-safe measures in new and existing public infrastructure projects, with designs (tunnels, underpasses, fencing, elevated bridges/ropes) set case-by-case by scientific studies to cut road deaths and reconnect habitats. Respiratory Health: The Ministry of Health reported COVID-19 is still circulating alongside other respiratory viruses, with week 29 showing a 34% jump in confirmed cases, higher hospitalizations, and five related deaths—urging vaccinations, hand hygiene, masking when sick, ventilation, and prompt care. Dementia Prevention Research: A large two-year, coach-led lifestyle trial across 11 Latin American countries (including Costa Rica) found structured support improved cognition about 55% more than a flexible self-guided version for older adults at risk. Longevity Spotlight: Nicoya Peninsula’s Blue Zone story continues with a reported 61 centenarians (potentially 73 by year-end), including a family seeking recognition for José Flores Flores as possibly the world’s oldest man. Local Health & Community: Starbucks opened its 33rd Costa Rica store in San José near Calderón Guardia Hospital, creating 14 direct jobs in a busy medical corridor.

COVID-19 Watch: Costa Rica’s Ministry of Health reports a 34% jump in confirmed COVID-19 cases for epidemiological week 29 (July 19–25), with hospitalizations up 56% and five deaths—urging people to stay vaccinated, wash hands, cover coughs, avoid crowds when sick, and seek care early. Wildlife Safety Law: The Legislative Assembly unanimously approved a Wildlife Crossings bill requiring science-based animal protection measures in new and existing public infrastructure to reduce road deaths and reconnect habitats, with designs tailored to species and terrain. Brain Health Program: A two-year Latin America trial (including Costa Rica sites) found older adults at risk of dementia improved more with a structured, coach-led lifestyle program than with a flexible self-guided version—about 55% greater cognitive gains. Longevity & “Blue Zones” Debate: A new piece challenges the popular Blue Zones narrative, pointing to concerns about shaky data behind longevity claims, including research questioning the concept’s foundations. Health-Adjacent Lifestyle Trends: A “Watertok” taste-test story spotlights flavored, low-sugar water powders and syrups—useful for readers thinking about everyday hydration choices.

COVID-19 Update (Costa Rica): The Ministry of Health reports COVID-19 is still circulating, with cases up 34% in epidemiological week 29 (126 confirmed) and hospitalizations rising 55.6% (28 ward admissions, 0 ICU) plus five deaths—urging people to stay vaccinated, wash hands, ventilate spaces, and seek care early. Brain Health (Costa Rica in a wider study): A two-year randomized trial across 11 Latin American countries, including Costa Rica, found older adults at risk of dementia improved more with a structured, coach-led lifestyle program than with a flexible self-guided version (about 55% greater cognitive gains). Longevity Spotlight (Nicoya, Costa Rica): Nicoya Peninsula—one of the world’s Blue Zones—has 61 centenarians and could reach 73 by end of 2026; researchers are also seeking verification for José Flores as a potential record-holder. Public Health & Travel (Mosquito-borne risk): Costa Rica is linked to a regional chikungunya alert chain, with the CDC noting Nicaragua as a “Watch” destination while Costa Rica reports an active outbreak and response efforts. Community Health (Romería): Costa Rica’s Romería operation closed with zero deaths, treating 1,772 people and transferring 34 to medical centers. Local Health Leadership (Education): Texas Tech named Paul Vita dean of its Costa Rica campus, starting Sept. 1, aiming to expand U.S.-style higher education tied to regional needs.

COVID-19 Update: Costa Rica’s Ministry of Health reports COVID-19 is gaining ground again, with confirmed cases up 34% in epidemiological week 29 (126 vs. 94), hospitalizations up 56% (28 in wards), and five deaths in one week—health officials urge people to stay vaccinated, wash hands, cover coughs, avoid sick crowds, and seek care early. Longevity & Brain Health: New reporting spotlights Blue Zones ideas—plus a two-year Latin America lifestyle program (LatAm-FINGERS) that improved memory and thinking in older adults at risk of dementia, especially with regular coaching and structured social support. Blue Zone Spotlight (Nicoya): Coverage highlights Nicoya Peninsula centenarians, including efforts to verify 119-year-old José Flores as the world’s oldest man, and notes the region’s longevity “poverty paradox.” Public Health & Travel Risk: CDC travel guidance flags chikungunya risk in Nicaragua after a vaccine pull in the U.S., while Costa Rica has already declared an active chikungunya outbreak in Guanacaste. Community Health & Safety: Costa Rica’s Romería wrapped up with zero deaths, after the Red Cross treated 1,772 people and emphasized hydration, proper footwear, and medication access. Health-Adjacent Policy & Governance: Social groups call for “Sit-ins for Democratic Justice” amid proposed judicial and extradition reforms—an issue that could affect public institutions and services.