There may be a long line to get it, but Costa Rica is doling out free anti-viral medicine to counter the A(H1N1) flu virus, which has so far claimed 25 lives in Costa Rica.

The medicine was donated by the Pan American Health Organization, and it will be distributed by the Costa Rican Social Security system (the Caja ) as well as by private hospitals and clinics.

Because the medication is considered a “public good,” it will be distributed to people at no cost and following established guidelines,” according to a statement from the Health Ministry.

The medication – known as oseltamivir – was first administered to laboratory-confirmed cases and their contacts, but now people are being treated without waiting for laboratory results to confirm the virus.

The Health Ministry said people with influenza-like illness, who have high risk factors, should receive anti-viral treatment and that the medication should be taken within the first 72 hours of infection.

Health Minister María Luisa Avila further recommended against indiscriminate use of oseltamivir, as it could cause people to become resistant to the virus and also could disrupt the day-to-day operations of medical clinics.

Avila recommended that people follow instructions of medical personnel and not distribute, sell or donate the medication to other people.

President Oscar Arias urged residents “not to let our guard down.” He said the medication should be distributed to pregnant women first, as they are at higher risk of further medical complications from the flu strain.

Since the virus first entered Costa Rica in late April, at least 25 people have died of complications resulting from the flu. An additional 755 have been confirmed to be carrying the virus.

Of those who died, roughly 36 percent suffered from a lung condition, 40 percent were obese and 20 percent had high blood pressure.

The virus continues to affect young people predominantly. Sixty percent of the confirmed cases in the Central American region have been children younger than 20 years old.

Pregnant women are also highly susceptible “due to the physical changes (they) undergo in their condition,” read the statement.

Thousands of people from around the world have lined the dark sand beaches of Playa Hermosa this week for the International Surfing Association (ISA) World Surfing Games.

This competition, the biggest international sporting event in Costa Rican history, has provided the fans with everything they came to enjoy: sun, fun, a beautiful beach, brilliant displays of surfing and a diverse, spirited audience hailing from many of the 36 nations represented in the competition.

“Our biggest goal is to enjoy ourselves,” said Costa Rican surfer Gilbert Brown. “At the end of the tournament, if we win, we will celebrate what we accomplished. If not, we will be thankful for the opportunity and enjoy the party on our home beach.”

Brown, possibly the most popular and easily the most recognizable surfer in the competition, with his long spiraling blond locks and ever-present smile, embodies the attitude of the competition. That is while surfing is the principal focus, the beach scene and ancillary activities definitely enhance the event.

“The response of the fans of the surfing world and the Costa Rican people has been marvelous,” said Tourism Minister Carlos Benavides. “We are very pleased with all the (visitors) from around the world … and we are happy to see them enjoying the beautiful beaches, great people and great surfing we offer in Costa Rica.”

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A commission of foreign ministers will arrive in Honduras in the coming days, tasked with solving a conflict that neither dialogue nor economic sanctions have been able to fix.

The delegates will be responsible for restoring constitutional order in Honduras by means of the San José Agreement, a proposal for ending the standoff put forward by Costa Rican President Oscar Arias (see Previous Daily News).

Arias said his country's foreign minister, Bruno Stagno, will be among the delegates.

“He … knows the challenges of both sides,” Arias said. Stagno sat through a four-day mediation process when representatives of the feuding parties met in Costa Rica.

José Miguel Insulza, secretary general of Organization of American States, emphasized that the commission is not a departure from the current strategy of pursuing peace through dialogue.

“It's a continuation of what has already been done,” he said. Meanwhile, the San José Agreement, which was presented in Costa Rica at the conclusion of the mediation process, continues to be debated by the Honduran Congress.

“I think we need a response this week,” said Isidro Pineda, a party leader in ousted President Manual Zelaya's Liberal Party. “We can't live the rest of our lives in this abnormal situation. But in order for us to continue, in order for us to move past this conflict, we need patience and tolerances from all involved.”

See the print or digital edition of The Tico Times for more on this story.

Prosecutors in the corruption trial of Rafael Angel Calderón called this week for a prison sentence of 24 years for the former president of Costa Rica.

Also, the Attorney General's Office demanded that Calderón reimburse the state $89 million for “social damages.”

The drama that has dragged on for more than four years, included testimonies of 150 witnesses and grievously damaged the image of one of the country's leading political families is expected to conclude in the next several weeks.

Calderón said in a statement released this week that he remains optimistic about the outcome.

“The prosecution is acting pursuant to political interests, rather than looking for justice and truth,” he said. “I thank God I am in the hands of a tribunal that is serious, independent and competent. And I am confident in God and in our justice tribunals.”

Calderón is accused of accepting $520,000 from a Finnish medical equipment company in return for a contract with Costa Rica's Social Security system. Calderón acknowledges he accepted the money, but he insists it was payment for consultations and not a bribe.

According to Miguel Cortés, of the attorney general's office, Calderón's actions had implications in the national economy, were attacks on the credibility of the country's democratic system and resulted in a direct cost loss of over $11 million.

Based on a tally of these costs (including the lost opportunities for other purchases and the harm done to the reputation of governmental institutions), the attorney general is calling on Calderón to reimburse the state for $89 million.

Calderón and his supporters have insisted the case has no merit.

“From the first day, it was a persecution against Rafael Angel Calderón,” said Luis Fishman, president of the Social Christian Unity Party (PUSC).

“They delayed the trial for over four years to link it to the political campaign (Calderón is running for president of PUSC in the 2010 elections). And now, the disproportional request of the prosecutor underlines the cruelty against our leader and the party.”

Calderón stands accused of accepting $520,000, which he allegedly used to bribe government officials into signing a contract with a Finnish medical equipment company. Calderón said he did accept the money, but it was payment for consultations, not for a bribe.