Costa Rica Confirms Whooping Cough Outbreak in Tibas

Costa Rica's Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Caja Costarricense del Seguro Social have begun investigating a potential outbreak of Bordetella pertussis (whooping cough) in the district of Tibas, located north of San Jose.

This is the same area in Costa Rica where the MOH has reported chikungunya, dengue, malaria, and Zika cases in 2024.

As of April 11, 2024, given the contagious nature of whooping cough and its severity in children and unvaccinated populations, the U.S. Embassy urges heightened awareness and vaccination verification for U.S. citizens in Costa Rica.

Before visiting Costa Rica in April 2024, the U.S. CDC advises international travelers to speak with a travel vaccine expert regarding their options one month ahead of departure.

In the Boston, Massachusetts, area, travel vaccination services are offered at Destination Health Travel Clinic.