Costa Rica records 772 hepatitis A cases since the start of 2026
Costa Rica has confirmed 772 cases of hepatitis A since the start of 2026, more than double the figure for all of 2025, when 373 cases were registered. The highest number of infections was detected in San José province — 562, or about 73% of the total, The Rio Times reports.
San José becomes the center of the outbreak
Health officials link the spread of the virus in San José province to disruptions in the water supply. Hepatitis A is a viral liver infection transmitted mainly through contaminated water and food.
In August, inspectors found contamination in part of the water supply system. According to officials, this confirmed a link between the current outbreak and unsafe water. Medical teams have been investigating cases in several communities in San José province since August, while Costa Rica’s Ministry of Health has been monitoring the situation since the start of the year and regularly updating the number of confirmed infections.
Most cases among adults
The majority of patients are people aged 20 to 64: 601 cases were recorded in this group. Among people aged 10 to 20, 111 cases were detected, while 26 cases were identified among children under 10.
More current news is available on the UA.News Telegram channel Telegram.
Another 31 cases were recorded among people over 65, while three infections were registered among infants under one year old. Common symptoms of hepatitis A include fever, fatigue, and abdominal pain. In more severe cases, jaundice — yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes — may occur.
Response measures
The Ministry of Health urged residents to boil water before drinking it, wash their hands with soap more often, handle food carefully, and clean surfaces regularly. Officials also stepped up monitoring in schools across the province and at food industry businesses.
A hepatitis A vaccine exists and is considered highly effective, but it usually takes several weeks to develop full protection.
