Costa Rican health authorities report a sustained increase in pressure on the hospital system due to the behavior of respiratory pathogens affecting the country.
According to data compiled by the Health Surveillance Directorate and the Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS), Costa Rican territory surpassed 1,023,605 cases of Acute Upper Respiratory Infections as of epidemiological week 38 of 2026, which generated an increase in medical care and a level of saturation in key pediatric care centers.
The official report from the Ministry of Health also confirms that the cumulative record includes 5,829 pneumonia diagnoses and 7,100 care visits for Severe Acute Respiratory Infections (SARI).
The weekly assessment carried out by health institutions shows that viral circulation directly impacts the youngest and oldest population groups, with dynamic behavior in the demand for hospitalizations.
Regarding specific COVID-19 surveillance, the Health Surveillance Directorate report counted 64 confirmed infections during epidemiological week 38. CCSS hospital data as of October 6 show that 16 infected people remain in isolation wards and three are receiving specialized support in intensive care units.
Additionally, the official report for epidemiological week 40 confirm…
AI Brief
Your highlights
A map of Costa Rica marks infection density with red dots next to a stethoscope, sample jars, and a face mask on a medical table. (Illustrative image Infobae)
Costa Rica's health authorities report a sustained increase in pressure on the hospital system due to the behavior of respiratory pathogens affecting the country. According to data compiled by the Health Surveillance Directorate and the Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS), Costa Rican territory surpassed 1,023,605 cases of Upper Acute Respiratory Infections as of epidemiological week 38 of 2026, which generated an increase in medical care and a level of saturation in key pediatric care centers. The official report from the Ministry of Health also confirms that the cumulative record includes 5,829 pneumonia diagnoses and 7,100 care visits for Severe Acute Respiratory Infections (SARI). The weekly evaluation carried out by health institutions shows that viral circulation directly impacts the youngest and oldest population groups, with dynamic behavior in the demand for hospitalizations.
Regarding specific COVID-19 surveillance, the Health Surveillance Directorate report counted 64 confirmed infections during epidemiological week 38. CCSS hospital data as of October 6 show that 16 infected people remain in isolation wards and three are receiving specialized support in intensive care units.
The Costa Rica Ministry of Health recorded a cumulative total of 1,023,605 cases of Upper Acute Respiratory Infections (URI) as of epidemiological week 38 of 2026 (Photo: Health Surveillance Directorate). Additionally, the official report for epidemiological week 40 confirmed two deaths associated with the virus in the hospital setting.
The Ministry of Health reiterates the call to maintain hygiene protocols, complete vaccination schedules, and go to medical units if respiratory symptoms worsen.
Epidemiological monitoring establishes that the population aged 75 and over leads the records of greatest severity among adults. This age group has accumulated 1,744 SARI cases and 1,442 pneumonia diagnoses so far this year. The immunological fragility of older adults in the face of the circulation of infectious agents keeps this population under constant surveillance in CCSS health facilities.
In the pediatric sphere, children under five years old present high vulnerability. Ministry of Health statistics detail that children between one and four years old account for 1,233 SARI care visits and 815 pneumonia cases. Likewise, this age group holds the highest cumulative burden of upper infections in the entire country, with a total of 114,688 care visits registered in health services.
A healthcare professional attends to a pediatric patient lying in a crib inside a hospital room. (Illustrative image Infobae)
Meanwhile, infants under one year old account for 1,222 SARI cases and 730 pneumonia diagnoses. Medical authorities emphasize the need to reinforce prevention measures and early consultation for warning signs of respiratory distress in infants and young children.
The care situation shows a critical point at the National Children's Hospital (HNN), the national reference center located in San José. The institutional operational report issued as of October 6, 2026, indicates that the hospital is treating 98 patients for respiratory causes, of whom 82 remain in hospitalization beds and 16 are receiving care in the Emergency service.
The official report from the Health Surveillance Directorate shows that Costa Rica added 23,834 URI cases in epidemiological week 38 of 2026 alone (Photo: Costa Rica Ministry of Health).
This figure represents 122% occupancy relative to its usual bed allocation for respiratory problems, although the figure drops to 91% when evaluating capacity under the expanded allocation modality. The high demand for care forced the restructuring of internal areas to guarantee care for pediatric patients coming from various regions of the country.
The critical care area registers the highest level of saturation. The HNN reports 100% of the capacity of its Intensive Care Unit (ICU) occupied, with 27 patients in delicate condition. Laboratory surveillance at this medical center determined that the predominant viruses are Rhinovirus, with 744 cumulative detections, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), with 364 detections, accompanied by a lesser presence of Parainfluenza and Adenovirus.