Inside Costa Rica's only Level 3 lab handling the nation's most dangerous diseases

Inside Costa Rica's only Biosafety Level 3 laboratory, scientists work with the nation's most dangerous pathogens under stringent conditions. The National Institute of Health Innovation (Inciensa) facility demands extreme caution from its personnel, who must don disposable full-body suits, double gloves, and discard street clothes before entry. A mandatory shower is required before anyone leaves the controlled environment.

This level of containment is necessary for handling the most hazardous diseases present in the country. The strict protocols are designed to prevent any accidental release of dangerous microorganisms, safeguarding both the researchers and the public. The laboratory's existence is crucial for disease surveillance, research, and the development of diagnostic tools within Costa Rica.

Details about the specific diseases handled or the research conducted are not provided, but the designation of Biosafety Level 3 signifies that the agents handled can cause serious or potentially lethal disease through inhalation. The facility's operations are vital for Costa Rica's public health infrastructure, enabling the study and containment of significant health threats.