Health officials in Costa Rica are investigating an outbreak that has affected more than 30 people.
The Ministry of Health (Ministerio de Salud) said the preliminary epidemiological and sanitary investigation has uncovered a link to a commercial establishment in Ciudad Colón de Mora. Local media said it was a shop that sold mainly chicken.
The Ministry of Health inspected the site and ordered its temporary closure while the investigation is completed and the related corrective measures are verified. During the visit, issues were identified related to cleaning and disinfection processes, temperature control, and food handling.
Salmonella diagnosis
A total of 32 patients have an epidemiological link to food consumption at the outlet under investigation. A dozen people tested positive for Salmonella, and one death is possibly connected to the outbreak.
In the Mora and Puriscal areas, 83 people have diarrhea and 43 patients are being investigated as suspected food poisoning.
The outbreak control team includes the Ministry of Health, the Costa Rican Institute for Research and Teaching in Nutrition and Health (INCIENSA), and the National Animal Health Service (SENASA).
Food samples are being analyzed at INCIENSA. SENASA is reviewing aspects related to the traceability and handling of meat products linked to the establishment.
Wider context
Authorities advised people to only consume food at establishments with a valid health permit, to verify that outlets maintain adequate cleanliness, to check that staff use proper food handling measures during food preparation, and to wash hands frequently before consuming food.
Figures from the Ministry of Health show 20 outbreaks were investigated in 2025.
These incidents affected 392 people, with 13 hospitalizations and no deaths. They were associated with hospital and health facilities, food preparation establishments, households, and community events.
Agents in confirmed outbreaks included Salmonella, E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Two outbreaks were caused by cheese and one each by potato salad and ground beef.