The U.S. Embassy in San José has issued an urgent health alert to American travelers following multiple incidents of aluminum phosphide poisoning reported across Costa Rica. The highly toxic pesticide—commonly used for rodent fumigation—can release deadly phosphine gas when exposed to moisture, posing severe risks to anyone nearby.
According to the Embassy, cases have been identified nationwide, with specific incidents noted in Real Cariari (Heredia) and Tempate (Santa Cruz). Aluminum phosphide exposure can lead to rapid respiratory distress, organ failure, or death, often with little warning.
Phosphine gas is colorless and, at dangerous concentrations, may emit a garlic-like or rotten fish odor, though the Embassy emphasizes that odor alone
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