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World Cup raises fears of disease outbreaks

2026-06-11 08:12:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

Health authorities in North America have increased monitoring and preparedness measures ahead of the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, amid concerns about the potential spread of infectious diseases during the biggest soccer tournament in history.

The competition, which takes place in the United States, Canada and Mexico, is expected to attract more than 6.5 million fans from more than 100 countries. Public health experts warn that mass gatherings at airports, hotels, stadiums and public transportation can create favorable conditions for the transmission of infectious diseases.

According to specialists, the main concern is related to measles, a disease that is marking an increase in cases throughout the region. Infectious diseases doctor Krutika Kuppalli said that measles remains the most serious threat due to its rapid spread in environments with high human density.

Reports indicate that there have been about 2,000 cases of measles in the US this year, while outbreaks have also been reported in Canada and Mexico. Experts warn that one infected person can expose hundreds of others before showing symptoms.

Mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue fever and chikungunya are also a concern, especially in southern host cities like Miami, Houston and Dallas. Experts say international travelers could bring new cases to areas where mosquito vectors are already present.

To monitor any potential threats, a coalition led by Georgetown University and MedStar Health has set up a Health Security Operations Center in Washington. The center will analyze data from hospitals, wastewater, epidemiological reports and social media activity to identify potential outbreaks in a timely manner.

Although concerns about diseases like Ebola have attracted media attention, experts emphasize that the risk to the public remains very low, as the virus is transmitted only through direct contact with bodily fluids and not through the air.

Federal, state and local authorities say preparations for the tournament have been extensive. However, with millions of fans expected to travel to North America in the coming weeks, continued vigilance and monitoring will remain key to protecting public health./ CNA