It looks like there might be a new virus outbreak stemming from Costa Rica. In the Osa Peninsula (South West Costa Rica), many birds, monkeys, sloths and other animals have been mysteriously dying in the rainforest... of STARVATION! Nobody knows why either, but it seems like it's probably a new strain of the West Nile Virus (which can affect over 290 species of birds and at least 30 other types of animals, including humans). Eduardo Carrillo, a biologist from the Universidad Nacional who has studied the park for years, has stated that he believes about 50% of the monkey population has died! This park contains the largest rainforest on the entire western coast of all of the Americas combined (just to put things into perspective).

The stupid thing is that since Costa Rica's largest export is tourism, the CR government has been trying to hide it from the public!!! They would rather not hinder the tourism industry than save potentially MILLIONS of lives! My dad has a friend (who I can't name) that has a hotel over in the Osa Peninsula and she's been noticing this happening since October, 2005. She told my dad that she's worried (and rightfully so) about the health of the animals and even for human lives, because nobody knows what this is. My dad then took it upon himself to contact the Center for Disease Control and the World Health Organization and let them know what's happening. Within 24 hours, a new story appeared on the A.M. Costa Rica news site. Since then, they have closed the park completely to any tourists and are only letting authorized personnel enter.

So, just for the record, if an epidemic breaks out of Costa Rica and kills 1/2 of the planet's population, my dad wants to be known as the one that brought the information to the world. Thanks.