Mosquito-borne disease update: Costa Rica’s dengue situation is worsening, with cases topping 3,400 through epidemiological week 32 (about a 30% jump vs. last year). Health teams have visited nearly 400,000 homes and treated millions of potential breeding sites, while at least five people are hospitalized. Malaria is also raising new concerns after signs of resurgence. Public health & environment: A PBS report highlights a “dying of thirst” paradox in Monteverde’s cloud forest: even with heavy rainfall, rising temperatures are lifting the cloud base, drying the canopy and stressing moisture-capturing epiphytes—an issue that can ripple into biodiversity and water supply. Conservation action: Osa Conservation moved 13 white-lipped peccaries to Piedras Blancas National Park to restore a species wiped out by hunters, with plans for more translocations this year. Immigration (health access angle): Starting Sept. 1, DGME will roll out a Special Temporary Complementary Category (CETC) to help certain foreign nationals regularize status, including people who can show ties to Costa Rica such as CCSS healthcare coverage. Retirement reality check: A retiree-focused explainer breaks down the real monthly costs in Costa Rica—especially exchange-rate pressure and what Medicare won’t cover—before you plan your move. Education compliance: Ghana’s GTEC published a list of 100 unrecognized universities as of Aug. 28, 2026, warning the public to do due diligence on certificates. Tourism & wellness: Costa Rica is projecting strong sustainable tourism growth for late 2026, with ecotourism and rural wellness experiences tied to conservation and local community benefits. Luxury hospitality: Hilton signed Maravé Manuel Antonio (LXR Hotels & Resorts), set to open in 2029 with a spa and wellness-focused amenities on a large beachfront estate.