Costa Rica dengue cases surge 38.6% in 2026; STIs also rise

Costa Rican health authorities report a 38.6% increase in dengue cases during 2026, totaling 5,302 infections, alongside notable rises in syphilis (17.5%), gonorrhea (6.5%), and herpes simplex (9.8%). The concurrent increase in multiple infectious diseases suggests possible strain on public health surveillance or reporting changes, though underlying causes remain unclear. This matters as it may signal broader public health challenges in the region.