Chikungunya Watch: Costa Rica is dealing with a rising chikungunya situation, with the CDC issuing a Level 1 “Watch” alert for Nicaragua after cases clustered around Managua—while Costa Rica had already declared an active outbreak in late June/early July after suspected cases in Playa Langosta, prompting mosquito-control efforts. COVID-19 Update: Costa Rica’s Ministry of Health reports a sharp COVID-19 jump: cases up 34% in one week, with five deaths and a 56% rise in hospitalizations, as the virus is now the top respiratory pathogen circulating. Romería Health Response: Costa Rica’s Romería to Cartago closed with zero deaths; the Red Cross treated 1,772 people over the final week, with heat illness and blood-pressure issues among the most common concerns. Longevity & Brain Health: New research highlights culturally adapted lifestyle programs across Latin America that improved memory and thinking in older adults at risk of dementia, with stronger gains tied to coached, structured support. Blue Zones Spotlight (Nicoya): Nicoya Peninsula remains a standout for centenarians, with researchers tracking long-lived residents despite the region’s relative poverty. Orchid Export Rules: Costa Rica’s MAG says orchid exporters can now ship Phalaenopsis plants in their original growing medium to the U.S., cutting labor and costs while reducing stress on sensitive roots. Earthquake Monitoring: OVSICORI-UNA revised a Cartago-area quake to magnitude 5.0 at 8 km depth and logged 60 aftershocks near Orosi, with continued monitoring.