Mosquito-borne illness alert: The CDC is warning travelers about an active chikungunya outbreak in Costa Rica’s Guanacaste Province, especially around Playa Langosta, with symptoms that can include severe joint pain and rash and may last months for some. Regional health watch: The CDC also flags chikungunya outbreaks in Bolivia, French Guiana, Mauritius, Seychelles, and Suriname, and notes elevated exposure risk in several other countries—urging repellent use and protective clothing. Border health risks from mining: France is pressing Suriname over illegal gold mining near the Marowijne River, citing extreme mercury and arsenic contamination levels that put nearby Indigenous communities at daily risk through water and food. Public health data: Eurostat reports viral hepatitis deaths in the EU fell sharply over the past decade, while Italy remains the highest-death area. Maritime health & safety: After the MV St Vincent VII sinking, five fishermen returned home, but captain Anthony Murray died hours after rescue—highlighting the dangers of dehydration and complications after days at sea. Environmental health enforcement: Brazil is using “gold fingerprinting” forensic labs to trace seized gold back to protected areas, aiming to curb illegal mining that drives mercury contamination. Disaster response scrutiny: Coverage questions US support for Guyana’s MV Barima ferry disaster, while regional partners—including French Guiana divers—continue search and recovery.