SAN JOSÉ, Costa Rica — Health authorities confirmed a third case of mpox (monkeypox) in Costa Rica. The latest patient is a 37-year-old man residing in the province of Heredia, who has been epidemiologically linked to the country’s second confirmed case reported last week.

According to the Ministry of Health, the diagnosis was confirmed by the Costa Rican Institute for Research and Education on Nutrition and Health (Inciensa). The patient is currently in stable condition and is strictly following a sanitary isolation order.

Case Overview & Epidemiological Findings

Health officials highlighted that none of the three confirmed patients had traveled outside Costa Rica in the 30 days prior to their diagnosis.

“The man is in stable health condition and is complying with the sanitary isolation order.”

— Ministry of Health statement

What is Mpox and How Does It Spread?

Mpox is a viral disease primary spread through close, direct physical contact with an infected person. Transmission can occur through:

• 🤝 Skin-to-skin contact or direct contact with skin lesions.
• 🩸 Contact with infected body fluids.
• 🗣️ Exposure to respiratory secretions during prolonged face-to-face contact.
• 🛋️ Handling contaminated personal items, such as clothing or bedding.

Key Symptoms to Watch For

The most characteristic sign of mpox is the development of skin lesions that resemble pimples or blisters. While these can appear anywhere on the body, they are most commonly found on the:

• Genital and perianal areas
• Face and mouth
• Hands and feet

Accompanying symptoms may include:

• Fever and headaches
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Muscle aches and general bodily discomfort

Official Prevention Recommendations

To reduce the risk of transmission, the Ministry of Health advises the public to follow these precautionary measures:

• 🚫 Avoid close physical contact (including intimate or sexual contact) with anyone displaying lesions consistent with mpox or holding a confirmed diagnosis.
• 🚫 Do not share personal belongings such as towels, bedding, or eating utensils with sick individuals.
• 🧼 Practice frequent hand hygiene using soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizers.

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