The Social Security Fund (CCSS) has launched a free measles vaccination campaign for Costa Rican citizens and foreign residents with a DIMEX ID who plan to travel to countries in the Americas experiencing active outbreaks of the disease.

Measles is a highly contagious, vaccine-preventable disease caused by the measles virus.

Symptoms typically appear 10 to 12 days after exposure and last seven to 10 days. Early signs include a high fever, cough, runny nose and inflamed eyes. Small white spots known as Koplik spots may develop inside the mouth two to three days after symptoms begin. A red, flat rash usually appears three to five days after symptoms start, first on the face and then spreading to the rest of the body.

Common complications include diarrhea, middle ear infection and pneumonia. Less frequently, the disease can lead to seizures, blindness or brain inflammation. Severe cases may result in abdominal pain, liver damage, jaundice, increased risk of bleeding and kidney complications.

The campaign will distribute 200,000 doses at public cantonal clinics, known locally as Ebais. The vaccine is available to travelers with confirmed airline tickets departing within the next 10 days. Eligible destinations include the United States, Argentina, Bolivia, Canada, Chile, Guatemala, Mexico and Uruguay.

Health authorities said the vaccine is contraindicated for certain groups, including individuals with severe allergies to vaccine components, pregnant women and people with significant immunosuppression.

Costa Rican health officials reported that the last endemic case of measles in the country was recorded in 1999. The national immunization schedule includes two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine, administered at 15 months and again at 4 years of age.

However, officials recently confirmed an imported measles case involving a 4-year-old girl who entered Costa Rica from Mexico. Authorities said the child was unvaccinated and was already infected upon arrival.

In related topics, Costa Rica is developing a free yellow fever vaccination campaign for residents planning to travel to Colombia.

The CCSS is the state-run institution responsible for managing Costa Rica’s public health system.