AGP Executive Report

Air Quality Alert: Saharan dust is expected to sweep across Costa Rica this week, with hazy skies and poorer respiratory conditions most likely on Thursday and Friday; people with asthma, allergies, and other respiratory issues (plus kids and older adults) are urged to limit outdoor exertion. Digital Health & Research Tech: Costa Rica researchers showcased CapuchinAI, an open-source, battery-powered AI system that automates cognitive testing of wild capuchin monkeys in the Taboga Forest Reserve using facial recognition and touchscreen tasks. Public Health Travel Advisory: The CDC issued a Level 2 chikungunya warning for Guanacaste, citing an outbreak in Playa Langosta and recommending vaccination where available, plus strict mosquito protection. Local Justice & Health Access: A Costa Rican judge partially struck down restrictions in the isolation regime for two detainees awaiting trial, ordering restored daily sunlight and family contact. Conservation Watch: Costa Rica’s latest jabiru monitoring recorded nine active nests and 19 chicks, offering cautious hope for a threatened wetland bird. Transport Disruption: The Puntarenas–Playa Naranjo ferry route will run with fewer sailings for weeks due to sand damage and repairs to the San Lucas II.

Air Quality Alert: Saharan dust is expected to sweep across Costa Rica this week, bringing hazy skies and poorer visibility—especially in Alajuela, the western Central Valley, and parts of Cartago—so people with asthma, allergies, and other respiratory issues (plus kids and older adults) should limit outdoor exertion Thursday and Friday. Mosquito-Borne Illness Watch: The CDC issued a Level 2 travel notice for chikungunya in Guanacaste, with most cases reported around Playa Langosta, urging vaccination where available and strict repellent and clothing protection. Digital Health Upgrade: Costa Rica has joined SNOMED International and adopted SNOMED CT to improve clinical data consistency and interoperability as it continues its national digital health strategy. Prison Rules Clash: A Costa Rican judge ordered changes to the isolation regime for two detainees awaiting trial, restoring daily sunlight and family contact—highlighting a direct fight over who sets detention conditions. Wildlife Research Tech: Emory and Georgia Tech unveiled CapuchinAI, an open-source, battery-powered system that automates cognitive testing of wild capuchins in Costa Rica using facial recognition and touchscreen tasks. Public Health Policy: Costa Rica’s government proposed replacing jail for child support debtors with electronic ankle monitors, aiming to shift enforcement while still pursuing payment. Conservation Update: Costa Rica’s jabiru monitoring recorded nine active nests and 19 chicks in 2026, offering cautious hope for the threatened wetland bird.

Air Quality Alert: Costa Rica is bracing for Saharan dust this week, with hazy skies and poorer air quality expected to peak Thursday–Friday; people with asthma, allergies, and other respiratory issues (plus kids and older adults) are urged to limit outdoor exertion. Mosquito-Borne Health: The CDC issued a Level 2 chikungunya travel notice for Guanacaste, citing cases around Playa Langosta, and recommends vaccination where available plus strict bite prevention. Digital Health Upgrade: Costa Rica has joined SNOMED International and adopted SNOMED CT to improve clinical data consistency and interoperability as part of its national digital health strategy. Primate Research Innovation: Emory and Georgia Tech researchers unveiled CapuchinAI, an open-source, battery-powered AI system that automates cognitive testing of wild capuchin monkeys in Costa Rica without removing them from habitat. Local Justice & Health Access: A Costa Rican judge partially overturned a strict prison isolation regime for two detainees, ordering restored daily sunlight and more family contact—an executive-vs-courts clash over preventive detention conditions. Child Support Reform: A bill would replace jail for child support debtors with electronic ankle monitors, aiming to shift enforcement away from incarceration.

AI & Wildlife Research: Emory and Georgia Tech unveiled CapuchinAI, a battery-powered field system that uses facial recognition plus touchscreen tasks to automate cognitive testing of wild capuchins in Costa Rica’s Taboga Forest Reserve, identifying individuals with 97% accuracy and delivering food rewards without removing animals from habitat. Public Health Alert: The CDC issued a Level 2 chikungunya travel notice for Costa Rica’s Guanacaste, urging vaccination where available and strict mosquito protection as cases cluster around Playa Langosta. Child Support Enforcement: A bill would replace jail for child support debtors with electronic ankle monitors, aiming to curb detention while keeping enforcement in place. Transport Disruption: The Puntarenas–Playa Naranjo ferry route will run with fewer sailings for weeks due to sand damage and engine intake repairs on the San Lucas II. Digital Health: Costa Rica joined SNOMED International, adopting SNOMED CT to improve clinical data interoperability and support its national digital health strategy. Conservation Update: Costa Rica’s jabiru monitoring recorded nine active nests and 19 chicks in 2026, offering cautious hope for the threatened wetland bird.

Chikungunya Travel Alert: The CDC has issued a Level 2 notice for Costa Rica’s Guanacaste Province, citing a chikungunya outbreak concentrated around Playa Langosta (Tamarindo area). The guidance urges travelers to use insect repellent, wear long sleeves and pants, and get vaccinated if heading to affected areas; symptoms can include severe joint pain that may last months. Digital Health Upgrade: Costa Rica has joined SNOMED International and adopted SNOMED CT to improve clinical data interoperability, diagnostic accuracy, and patient care as part of its national digital health strategy. Child Poverty Watch: A National University (UNA) investigation says 557,000 children and adolescents live in basic or extreme poverty, while National Care Network coverage reaches only about 12% of those who need services—highlighting major gaps in health and social protection. Rehab Tech Clearance: Ecuador’s ARCSA cleared Wandercraft’s Atalante X for rehabilitation uses, signaling growing access to advanced mobility tech across Latin America.

Digital Health Upgrade: Costa Rica has joined SNOMED International and adopted SNOMED CT to improve interoperability, diagnostic accuracy, and patient care as part of its 2023–2030 National Digital Health Strategy. Mosquito-Borne Alert: The CDC issued a Level 2 travel notice for Costa Rica’s Guanacaste after a chikungunya outbreak, with local transmission now reported around Playa Langosta/Tamarindo—urging visitors to take enhanced precautions. Elder Care in Nicoya: President Laura Fernández Delgado launched Costa Rica Centenaria, a home-visit medical program for centenarians in the Nicoya Blue Zone to reduce travel barriers and bring routine care directly to people. Child Poverty Watch: A National University (UNA) investigation says 557,000 minors live in basic or extreme poverty, while National Care Network coverage reaches only about 12% of those who need services. Health System Capacity: Costa Rica also faces long waits, with more than 1.4 million people awaiting appointments or surgeries.

Chikungunya Alert: The CDC has placed Costa Rica’s Guanacaste (including Playa Langosta/Tamarindo area) at Level 2, urging travelers to practice enhanced precautions as local mosquito spread is reported. Public Health Access: A UNA investigation says 557,000 minors live in basic or extreme poverty, while the National Care Network reaches only about 12% of those who need it. Waiting Lists: An audit finds Costa Rica’s public health waiting lists have hit 1.4 million people awaiting appointments or surgery. Dengue Response: Panama and Costa Rica plan a joint dengue prevention and control operation next week along the border, targeting Aedes breeding sites. Longevity Program: President Laura Fernández formalized Costa Rica Centenaria for Nicoya’s 100+ residents, including home medical visits to reduce travel barriers. Healthcare Tech Expansion: Wandercraft’s self-balancing exoskeleton Atalante X received ARCSA clearance in Ecuador for rehab use, supporting Latin American rollout. Health Education Abroad: A U.S. student’s Costa Rica study trip highlights local care challenges and affordable-care lessons.

Mosquito-borne alert: The CDC has issued a Level 2 travel health notice for Costa Rica’s Guanacaste, citing a chikungunya outbreak in Playa Langosta (near Tamarindo). Local transmission is now confirmed, meaning Aedes mosquitoes in the area can spread the virus—so visitors are urged to practice enhanced precautions during peak beach season. Local health access for seniors: Costa Rica has formalized “Costa Rica Centenaria,” putting Nicoya’s centenarians on the government payroll with home-visit care from doctors and nurses, aiming to remove transport barriers to routine treatment. Public health at the border: Panama and Costa Rica plan a joint dengue prevention and control operation next week in the Progreso–Paso Canoas border area, targeting mosquito breeding and responding to confirmed cases in Chiriquí. Wellness and longevity spotlight: Costa Rica’s Blue Zone Nicoya continues to draw global attention, with new coverage tying long-lived communities to everyday habits and healthier aging patterns. Safety on the move: Costa Rica’s Romería traffic plan is underway as pilgrims head to Cartago’s Basilica, with Red Cross medical support and guidance for safer walking.

Longevity policy in Costa Rica: Costa Rica is putting its Nicoya “Blue Zone” centenarians on the government payroll with a new program, Costa Rica Centenaria, including home visits by doctors and nurses to reduce travel barriers for routine care. Mosquito-borne illness alert: The CDC issued a Level 2 travel notice for Costa Rica’s Guanacaste after chikungunya was confirmed in Playa Langosta, with local mosquito spread and enhanced precautions urged. Dengue prevention at the border: Panama and Costa Rica plan a joint dengue control operation next week in the Progreso and Paso Canoas border area, targeting Aedes breeding sites amid confirmed cases. Romería health & safety: Costa Rica’s Romería traffic operation continues with large-scale traffic police and Red Cross support, including guidance for safer walking and when to seek medical help. Vision care leadership: Optometry Giving Sight appointed Javier Prada-López, OD, to its board; he founded a Costa Rica myopia-management center and brings decades of regional clinical and industry experience. Mental health spotlight: The death of NFL Super Bowl champion Jordan Devey at 38 has renewed attention on mental health care and possible links to degenerative brain disease.

Mosquito-borne illness alert: The CDC issued a Level 2 travel health notice for Costa Rica’s Guanacaste after chikungunya was confirmed in Playa Langosta, with local spread by Aedes mosquitoes and fumigation/breeding-site cleanup underway. Cross-border dengue response: Panama and Costa Rica plan a joint dengue prevention operation next week along the border (Progreso/Corredores), targeting mosquito control where mobility is high. Public health access pressure: An audit says Costa Rica’s public health waiting lists have hit about 1.4 million people awaiting appointments or surgery, raising concerns about delays in care. Disaster impacts: Flooding in Sarapiquí forced school closures and evacuations, with hundreds moved to shelters and food/water deliveries ramping up. Health system leadership: Optometry Giving Sight appointed Costa Rica optometrist Javier Prada-López to its board, highlighting myopia management expertise. Community safety: Authorities captured “El Diablo” after a decade-long manhunt following an armed operation near the Nicaragua border; multiple officers were injured. Press freedom: Costa Rica fell sharply in RSF’s press freedom ranking over the past five years, tied to polarization and pressure on independent media.

Mosquito-borne illness alert: The CDC issued a Level 2 travel health notice for Costa Rica’s Guanacaste after chikungunya reappeared in Playa Langosta, with local mosquito spread reported and cases linked to a cluster first identified in early July. Cross-border dengue response: Panama and Costa Rica plan a joint dengue prevention operation next week along the border at Progreso (Barú) and Paso Canoas (Corredores), targeting Aedes aegypti risk and focusing on removing standing-water breeding sites. Public health access pressure: A new report says Costa Rica’s public health waiting lists have hit about 1.4 million people awaiting appointments or surgeries, underscoring ongoing strain on care delivery. Animal health & food security: The New World screwworm continues to threaten livestock across the region; USDA outlined a phased reopening of southern U.S. livestock ports contingent on Mexico’s joint action plan. Local safety: Costa Rica’s OIJ confirmed the capture of “El Diablo” after a decade-long manhunt, following an armed operation that injured several officers and included consular support for a Costa Rican stabbed in Manhattan.

Mosquito-borne disease alert: The CDC issued a Level 2 Travel Health Notice for Costa Rica’s Guanacaste after chikungunya was confirmed circulating locally in Playa Langosta, meaning any Aedes mosquito in the area can spread the virus; Costa Rica’s Ministry of Health has been fumigating homes and removing breeding sites as cases rise. Cross-border dengue response: Panama and Costa Rica plan a joint dengue prevention and control operation next week along the border at Progreso (Barú) and Paso Canoas (Corredores), targeting high mosquito mobility and confirmed dengue activity. Public health access pressure: A new report says Costa Rica’s public health waiting lists have hit about 1.4 million people awaiting appointments or surgeries, underscoring strain on care delivery. Eye health & myopia care: Optometry Giving Sight named Costa Rican optometrist Javier Prada-López to its Board, highlighting decades of work in contact lenses, myopia management, and optical development across Latin America. Animal health threat: The New World screwworm remains a regional concern as the U.S. moves toward a phased reopening of southern livestock ports, contingent on Mexico’s joint action plan—relevant to Costa Rica’s ongoing prevention efforts. Wildlife crime: Authorities rescued an endangered squirrel monkey from illegal trade in Coto Brus, with veterinary assessment and possible reintroduction planned. Health and safety in emergencies: Flooding in Sarapiquí has closed 267 schools and triggered evacuations into shelters, with food and drinking water support underway.

Chikungunya Alert (Guanacaste): The CDC issued a Level 2 travel notice for Costa Rica’s Guanacaste Province after an active chikungunya outbreak was confirmed in Playa Langosta, with local mosquito transmission now underway—meaning visitors face risk from bites in the area, not just from imported cases. Mosquito-Season Guidance: Health authorities have been fumigating homes and removing breeding sites; travelers are urged to use repellent, wear long sleeves and pants, and take extra care if they’re older adults, have conditions, or are traveling with newborns. Local Care Capacity: Costa Rica’s public health waiting lists reportedly hit 1.4 million people awaiting appointments or surgeries, underscoring pressure on the system. Myopia Care Leadership: Optometry Giving Sight named Javier Prada-López, OD, to its board; he founded a Costa Rica myopia-management center and focuses on slowing childhood nearsightedness. Animal Health Spillover: New World screwworm remains a regional threat, with U.S. plans for phased livestock border reopening tied to control efforts—relevant to veterinary and public health planning.

Chikungunya Travel Alert: The CDC issued a Level 2 warning for Americans visiting Costa Rica’s Guanacaste Province, including Playa Langosta, citing active local chikungunya transmission; officials urge extra mosquito-bite protection (repellent, long sleeves/pants, screened or air-conditioned lodging) and note symptoms like fever and severe joint pain can linger for months. Health System Strain: A new audit says Costa Rica’s public hospital waiting lists under CCSS have surged from about 1.09 million cases (Dec 2024) to 1.44 million (Mar 2026), with surgical waits averaging 441 days and outpatient waits averaging 540 days. Digestive Health Concern: A report highlights rising digestive system disease deaths in Costa Rica and points to stress, obesity, sedentary habits, and poor diet as key drivers—plus the need to stop normalizing heartburn and other warning signs. Animal Health Watch: FAO warns that the New World screwworm is spreading across the Americas, threatening livestock and livelihoods; prevention and faster veterinary response are emphasized. Wellness & Lifestyle: A new “wellness travel” and longevity book roundup spotlights Costa Rica’s Blue Zones connection and everyday habits tied to healthier aging. Public Health/Community: Battle Academy teachers used a fellowship to bring Costa Rica’s biodiversity and tree-focused learning into classrooms, linking nature education with wellbeing.

Chikungunya Alert for Travelers: The CDC issued a Level 2 travel notice for Costa Rica’s Guanacaste Province, including Playa Langosta, urging extra mosquito-bite protection and noting chikungunya can cause fever and severe joint pain that may last months. Mpox Update: Costa Rica confirmed a third mpox case— a 37-year-old man in Heredia—linked to the second case; the patient is stable and under strict isolation. Digestive Health Concern: A new report flags a rise in digestive system diseases in Costa Rica, linking stress, obesity, sedentary habits, and poor diet patterns to higher rates of conditions like gastritis and GERD. Care Access Pressure: Waiting lists at CCSS are worsening, with an audit citing major growth in diagnostic/therapeutic procedures and longer average waits across surgeries, procedures, and outpatient consultations. Wellness Tourism Spotlight: A Costa Rica–themed “Blue Zones” longevity book highlights Nicoya Peninsula habits, while a new “4D sound wellness resort” opens in Costa Rica, adding to the country’s wellness travel buzz.

Travel Health Alert: The CDC issued a Level 2 warning for Americans traveling to Costa Rica’s Guanacaste Province, including Playa Langosta, due to a chikungunya outbreak; officials advise strict mosquito-bite protection (repellent, long sleeves/pants, screened or air-conditioned lodging) and note that higher-risk travelers should be extra cautious. Local Health System Strain: A new audit of CCSS (Caja) waiting lists says the backlog is worsening fast, rising from 1,094,093 cases (Dec 2024) to 1,440,547 (Mar 2026), with average waits of 441 days for surgeries and 540 days for outpatient care. Infectious Disease Update: Costa Rica’s Ministry of Health confirmed a third mpox case, a 37-year-old man in Heredia linked to the second case; the patient is stable and under isolation. Wellness & Recovery Tourism: Costa Rica welcomes The Vessyl, a new 4D Sound Wellness Resort near Arenal aimed at nervous-system regulation and immersive nature-based reconnection. Digestive Health Watch: Costa Rica is seeing rising digestive disease burdens tied to stress, obesity, sedentary habits, and poorer diets, with specialists urging earlier care instead of normalizing symptoms like heartburn and slow digestion.