Dengue was first seen in Costa Rica in 1992 and it is causing problems to this day. Central America is currently facing a dengue epidemic that caused 200 deaths. Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala are hit the hardest.
The Ministry of Health in Costa Rica has registered 2,639 patients this year, a 160% increase from the same period last year. There have been no related deaths this year. The places in Costa Rica with the most cases are Sarapiquí, Pococí, Guácimo and Alajuela. There have been 1,272 cases in the Central North region and 658 in the Huetar Caribe region.
The Ministry of Health asks the public to destroy breeding grounds of mosquitoes. 110,000 homes throughout the country are being sprayed to eliminate around two million hatcheries.
Dengue causes flu symptoms and can evolve into a life-threatening condition. Symptoms include fever, abdominal pain, vomiting, rapid breathing, bleeding gums, fatigue, restlessness, and blood in vomit.
