AGP Executive Report

New World screwworm threat: USDA says a flesh-eating screwworm has been detected again in Texas, with two new cases (a calf and a dog) bringing the state total to four—raising alarms for cattle, pets, and wildlife as officials race to eradicate the parasite. Climate & water risk for Costa Rica: Universidad Nacional warns El Niño could cut Guanacaste rainfall by up to 50% and push hotter conditions, increasing pressure on water and energy through late 2026 into early 2027. World Oceans Day (coral protection): Beyond Green highlights coral reef conservation efforts across its member properties, spotlighting how reefs are being restored and protected amid climate and pollution stress. Safety for travelers and sports fans: A shooting near England’s World Cup base in Kansas City left nine people injured (non-life-threatening), renewing attention on public safety as the tournament approaches. Local wellness angle: A celebrity account of a uterine septum procedure and follow-up saline sonogram underscores how medical planning and recovery can be physically intense. Health travel watch: CDC expanded Ebola airport screening in Atlanta and issued new guidance on risks tied to travel-related cosmetic procedures, including medical tourism concerns.

Gun Violence & Public Safety: Nine people were injured in a mass shooting near England’s FIFA World Cup base camp in Kansas City, Missouri, about four miles from Swope Soccer Village. Police said injuries were non-life-threatening and no suspects were in custody as investigations continue. Travel Health & Disease Screening: The CDC issued dual health alerts, expanding enhanced Ebola screening at Atlanta’s airport and flagging risks tied to travel-related cosmetic procedures popular with “medical tourism” patients. Infectious Disease Watch (Livestock): U.S. officials confirmed New World screwworm in Texas for the first time in decades, triggering quarantine and import restrictions—an animal-health threat that can also affect wildlife. Costa Rica Wellness: The Retreat Costa Rica launched a Vida Mía Longevity Centre with physician-guided programs focused on nervous system medicine and “whole-body optimisation” therapies. Wildlife & Community Care: A Costa Rican wildlife center shared the rescue of a baby grison found alone and dehydrated, highlighting the role of trained responders in improving survival odds for fragile native species.

Wildlife & Power Lines: Costa Rica’s court ruling is holding agencies accountable for howler monkey electrocutions from power lines, ordering infrastructure changes in Nosara after more than 100 animals were treated following shocks. Public Access Fight: Punta Leona resort in Garabito reopened roads to public beaches after police enforced a judge’s order removing long-blocked gates; clashes left people hurt and arrests were made. Longevity Wellness Launch: The Retreat Costa Rica debuted its Vida Mía Longevity Centre, adding physician-guided nervous system and “cellular regeneration” programming at its healing spa. Travel Health Alerts: The CDC issued two separate alerts—expanded Ebola screening at Atlanta’s airport and warnings about adverse outcomes from travel-related cosmetic procedures—raising concerns for travelers and medical tourism. Infectious Disease Watch (Regional): The New World screwworm has been detected in Texas for the first time in decades, reviving fears for livestock and wildlife as the fly spreads across Central America and Mexico. Wildlife Rescue (Costa Rica): A baby grison found cold and dehydrated was stabilized in an incubator and is now drawing attention as rescuers highlight the importance of contacting trained responders.

Wildlife & Public Health: Costa Rica’s court ruling is holding agencies accountable for wildlife electrocutions from power lines, ordering infrastructure changes in Nosara after cases like a howler monkey electrocuted by lines. Animal Health Watch: The New World screwworm fly has been confirmed in south Texas for the first time in 60 years, raising alarms for livestock, pets, wildlife, and even people—especially as the pest has spread from Panama through Central America and Mexico. Community Health & Access: Punta Leona’s long-blocked public beach roads were reopened after a judge’s order, but clashes left people hurt and some resort employees arrested—an access issue with real safety and medical implications. Wellness Policy: Marjorie Taylor Greene says she received unapproved stem cell IV treatments in Mexico for anti-aging, spotlighting ongoing debates over safety, regulation, and cross-border wellness care. Local Safety: SINAPROC rescued hikers in Chiriquí after exhaustion and dehydration during a trek, including air evacuation for four people.

Wildlife Health & Animal Disease: Costa Rica is dealing with the fallout of power-line electrocutions after a court ruling held agencies responsible for preventing wildlife deaths, ordering infrastructure changes in Nosara; veterinarians say howler monkeys and other animals are being shocked after mistaking lines for vines. Public Access & Safety: Punta Leona in Garabito reopened public beach access after police removed long-blocked roads following a judge’s order; clashes left people injured and some resort employees arrested, raising health-and-safety questions around crowd control and emergency response. Prevention & Community Health: A look at the HPV vaccination push highlights how countries are trying to reach girls before they “age out,” with school-based check-ups and tracking systems used to improve coverage. One Health Alert (Regional): The New World screwworm—flesh-eating larvae that can infest warm-blooded animals—has been confirmed in Texas after spread through Central America and Mexico, prompting heightened surveillance that matters for Costa Rica’s animal health planning. Tourism & Climate Wellness: A new “coolcation” ranking puts Costa Rica among top cooler-escape destinations for 2026, reflecting growing demand for heat-avoidant, nature-focused travel.

Wildlife & Public Health: Costa Rica is facing a legal and infrastructure push after a court ruling held agencies accountable for wildlife electrocutions from power lines, ordering changes in Nosara; veterinarians say howler monkeys and other animals mistake lines for vines, and more than 100 electrocuted animals have been treated at a rescue center. Animal Health Watch: The New World screwworm, a flesh-eating parasite, has been confirmed in a calf in south Texas, raising concern because the fly has spread through Central America and is now close to the region; officials are using quarantines and sterile-fly releases, and experts warn early signs can look like myiasis with lesions and maggots. Prevention & Care: A travel-health checklist highlights staying current on vaccines like MMR amid measles risk and planning for destination-specific outbreaks before trips. Community Health: SINAPROC completed a rescue operation for hikers in Panama’s Ngäbe-Buglé region suffering exhaustion and dehydration, including air evacuation of four people.

Wildlife & Public Health: Costa Rica is taking a legal and infrastructure approach to rising howler monkey electrocutions from power lines, with a court ruling holding agencies accountable and ordering changes in Nosara. Invasive Disease Watch (One Health): The U.S. confirmed its first New World screwworm case in decades in a 3-week-old calf in South Texas, triggering quarantines and sterile-fly efforts; officials say warm-blooded animals and, rarely, humans can be affected. Vaccination Access: A look at the “last mile” of HPV vaccination rollout highlights how school-based delivery and tracking systems are helping close coverage gaps for girls before they age out. Travel Health: A practical travel health checklist flags vaccine needs like measles protection and destination-specific risks for travelers heading abroad. Community Care in Costa Rica: East Texas Baptist University nursing students returned from a Costa Rica medical mission, running clinics and patient education with local partners. Food & Wellness: A Costa Rica-focused guide to gallo pinto frames the dish as a flexible, lower-waste meal built from simple ingredients.

Health Policy & Access: Costa Rica reactivated a special migration category that lets thousands of Cubans (plus some from Nicaragua, Venezuela and Colombia) live and work legally, with work authorization as the key benefit for people stuck in refugee limbo. Infectious Disease Watch: PAHO is urging stronger measles surveillance and vaccination ahead of the 2026 World Cup as cases rise across the Americas and travel increases the risk of spread, including in countries that have reported infections linked to outbreaks or imported cases such as Costa Rica. Food & Nutrition: A Costa Rican staple gets a wellness-friendly spotlight: “gallo pinto” is framed as a practical, low-waste way to build balanced meals using rice, beans, sofrito, and flexible protein add-ons. Community Health in Action: Nursing students from East Texas Baptist University returned from a medical mission trip to Costa Rica, running clinics and patient education with triage and pharmacy support. Animal Health Threat (Public Health Angle): New World screwworm has been confirmed in south Texas for the first time in decades, raising concerns for livestock and, rarely, humans—prompting quarantines and surveillance near the U.S.-Mexico border.

Measles Alert for World Cup: PAHO is urging countries across the Americas to tighten measles surveillance and vaccination ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, warning that rising transmission plus heavy travel could fuel spread; it recommends active case-finding and better access to measles-rubella shots for travelers who can’t prove immunity. Screwworm Watch in the Region: The USDA confirmed the first New World screwworm case in the U.S. in south Texas, a flesh-infesting parasite that can also infect humans, with quarantines and sterile-fly releases underway—raising concern for livestock and nearby communities. Costa Rica Migration Update: Costa Rica reactivated a special legal work-and-stay category for thousands of Cubans (and some from Nicaragua, Venezuela, and Colombia) whose refugee cases were pending or denied, effective Sept. 1, 2026. Local Health & Wellness Angle: Costa Rica’s medtech sector is positioning for higher-value AI-led healthcare and R&D, with exports topping US$10 billion in medical devices.

Livestock Health Alert: The U.S. Department of Agriculture confirmed the first New World screwworm case in South Texas after testing a sample from La Pryor, raising alarms for the $15B cattle industry and the risk of severe, flesh-infesting wounds in warm-blooded animals (and rare human cases). Public Health at Mass Gatherings: The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) issued a measles alert ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, citing a fourfold rise in Americas cases and urging stronger surveillance, vaccination access for travelers, and rapid response—especially where vaccination status is unknown. Local Health & Wellness Angle: Costa Rica’s forest recovery is being studied beyond satellite tree cover, with researchers exploring how listening to forest soundscapes may better reflect whether ecosystems are truly functioning. Immigration & Work Access: Costa Rica reactivated a legal work pathway for thousands of Cubans (and some others) through a special temporary category starting Sept. 1, 2026, aimed at ending long periods of work-authorization limbo. Health System Capacity: A report highlights Costa Rica’s growing surgery waitlist crisis, pointing to pressure on the public health system. Medtech Growth: CINDE says Costa Rica’s medtech boom is shifting toward higher-value R&D, AI-led healthcare, and advanced manufacturing. Pet Travel Health: Guanacaste Airport reported record pet arrivals and notes health-coordination protocols with SENASA for travelers bringing dogs and cats.

Measles Alert for World Cup Travel: PAHO says measles is surging across the Americas, with 20,521 cases and 25 deaths in the region this year, a fourfold jump from 2025, and warns that big crowds and international travel can spread the virus—urging countries to tighten surveillance, boost vaccination coverage, and use rapid response; Costa Rica in the Mix: PAHO notes infections linked to outbreaks or importations have been identified in Costa Rica along with several neighbors; Pet-Friendly Travel Boost: Guanacaste’s Liberia airport reported a record 876 dogs and cats arriving in the first four months of 2026, plus dedicated terminal areas and coordination with health authorities; Wearables in Sports Medicine: England players are using Whoop fitness trackers during training and upcoming friendlies (including vs Costa Rica) to monitor recovery and well-being; Screwworm Watch Near the Border: U.S. officials warn New World screwworm detections are getting closer to Texas, raising concerns for livestock and wildlife as the outbreak spreads through Central America.

Measles Alert for Mass Gatherings: PAHO says measles cases are rising sharply across the Americas, with 20,521 cases and 25 deaths confirmed in 16 countries/one territory in early 2026—far above last year—urging stronger surveillance, vaccination checks, and rapid response ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Flesh-Eating Screwworm Nears the Border: U.S. officials warn New World screwworm larvae are being detected closer to the U.S., with the closest reports now about 25 miles from Texas, raising alarms for livestock and wildlife even as there are no confirmed U.S. infestations. Travel Health Watch: The UK Foreign Office advises travelers heading to the World Cup to stay alert for Ebola-related symptoms after temporary entry restrictions for people recently in affected African countries. Costa Rica Health System Pressure: Coverage highlights Costa Rica’s growing surgery waitlist crisis, underscoring ongoing strain in public healthcare access. Local Wellness & Safety Notes: A Costa Rica lookout incident involving a venomous pit viper bite risk serves as a reminder for hikers to watch for wildlife near trails and viewpoints.

Measles Watch for Mass Gatherings: PAHO is urging Americas health authorities to tighten measles surveillance, vaccination coverage, and rapid response ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including active case-finding and guidance for unvaccinated travelers. Costa Rica Health System Pressure: Costa Rica’s public health system is facing a growing surgery waitlist crisis, raising concerns for timely care. Local Food & Nutrition: Dos Pinos marked World Milk Day by spotlighting women producers who run dairy farms and help drive nutrition and rural livelihoods. Travel Health Reminder: After recent hantavirus and Ebola outbreaks, travel medicine experts say outbreaks shouldn’t automatically stop trips, but travelers should take precautions and stay informed. Safety Outdoors: Hikers at a Costa Rica lookout reported a near-miss with a venomous pit viper after hearing a warning hiss—an urgent reminder to keep distance on trails. Community Health & Mobility: A Costa Rica expat story highlights how building a calmer routine after a career setback can support mental wellbeing.

Surgery Waitlist Pressure: Costa Rica’s public health system is facing a growing surgery backlog, with more patients stuck waiting for procedures. Nutrition & Food Security: A new local study highlights that meat protein anchors 77% of Costa Rican lunches, pointing to beef as a key source of iron, zinc, and B12. Blue Zones Longevity: Dan Buettner spotlights longevity lessons from the Nicoya Peninsula, emphasizing environment and daily habits over “radical diets.” Snake Bite Risk Outdoors: Hikers at a Costa Rica lookout reported a faint hiss and a near-miss venomous pit viper strike, a reminder that remote trails can turn medical emergencies fast. Community Health Support: A benefit concert is planned to help cover medical and rehab costs for a student injured while studying abroad in Costa Rica. Workday Convenience for Wellness: Market and More continues expanding grocery delivery in Costa Rica, aiming to make it easier to access specialty and healthier foods.

Longevity & Healthy Aging: Blue Zones founder Dan Buettner says healthier aging is driven less by genetics and more by “environmental design” that nudges better daily habits over decades, highlighting Nicoya Peninsula (Costa Rica) as one of the world’s longevity hotspots. Food & Nutrition: New Costa Rica data from CoopeMontecillos’ 2025 Usage Diaries finds meat shows up in 77% of lunches, with beef promoted as a key source of iron, zinc, selenium, phosphorus, and vitamin B12. Public Health & Safety: A Costa Rica lookout hike nearly ended in disaster after hikers heard a faint hiss and a venomous pit viper strike missed; the incident is a reminder to keep distance from wildlife on trails. Local Health System Pressure: Costa Rica’s public health system is facing a growing surgery waitlist crisis, adding strain for patients needing procedures. Travel Health: With global outbreaks in the news, travel medicine guidance emphasizes that risk depends on close contact and exposure, not just headlines.

Public Health & Safety: Costa Rica’s public health system is dealing with a growing surgery waitlist crisis, adding pressure to hospitals already stretched thin. Nutrition & Wellness: A new Costa Rica-focused nutrition data roundup says meat protein anchors 77% of lunch plates, with beef highlighted as a key source of iron, zinc, and vitamin B12. Foodborne Risk: Costa Rica reports a Salmonella outbreak, with at least one possible death under investigation. Climate & Health: New research links rising temperatures and microplastics to faster growth of antimicrobial resistance in Salmonella, with Latin America and the Caribbean flagged as areas where resistant genes are increasing. Community & Care: A benefit concert is planned to help cover medical and rehabilitation costs for a student who suffered a serious spinal injury while studying abroad in Costa Rica. Health in the News (Travel): A Costa Rica hiking scare shows how quickly a venomous pit viper strike can happen at popular lookouts—an urgent reminder to keep distance from wildlife.