The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a Level 2 Travel Health Notice for Costa Rica’s Guanacaste Province due to a rising chikungunya outbreak, urging Americans to take precautions against mosquito bites. The alert specifically targets the popular tourist destination of Playa Langosta, where most cases have been reported — Known for its beaches, surfing, and hiking, Guanacaste is one of the country’s most visited regions.

Health Risks and Symptoms

Chikungunya is a mosquito-borne virus that typically causes fever and severe joint pain, according to the CDC, and Symptoms usually appear three to seven days after a mosquito bite and may also include headache, muscle pain, joint swelling, and rash. While most people recover within a week, the CDC warns that some may experience severe joint pain for months to years following the acute illness, there is currently no specific treatment for chikungunya, so prevention remains the best defense.

Precautions and Travel Advice

The CDC recommends using insect repellent, wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants, and staying in accommodations with air conditioning or window screens to avoid mosquito bites; Vaccinations are also advised for eligible travelers. Costa Rica’s Ministry of Health reported four confirmed cases and 17 probable cases linked to the outbreak, with both local residents and foreign visitors affected, as the advisory is part of a broader pattern of chikungunya-related travel alerts issued by U.S. health officials in recent months.

Other Travel Alerts in Europe

While the CDC focuses on health risks in Costa Rica, U.S; Embassy Madrid has issued a separate travel alert for demonstrations in Spain related to recent events in the Middle East. The alert. Effective March 14. 2026, warns U.S. citizens to avoid large gatherings and remain alert to potential security risks, Local authorities may increase security measures, including road closures and police presence in demonstration areas. The embassy urges travelers to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for security updates and to contact local emergency services if needed.