Experts Sound Alarm Over Infectious Disease Risks at Global Sporting Event
As millions of fans prepare to converge on 16 cities across the United States, Canada, and Mexico for the upcoming five-week World Cup, health experts are raising concerns about the tournament’s potential to become a breeding ground for infectious diseases. The rapid influx of international travelers and close proximity within crowded venues create what is being described as a ‘perfect storm’ for outbreaks.
A Global Mixing Pot for Illness
Dr. Andres Henao, an Associate Professor of Medicine and Infectious Disease at the University of Colorado Anschutz, highlighted the significant risks associated with such a large-scale global event. “Millions of fans will arrive through multiple airports and will pack into stadiums, airports, hotels, bars and public transit systems over five weeks,” Dr. Henao explained. “That makes the World Cup not just a sporting event but a weekslong experiment in global mixing that creates a perfect environment for infectious diseases to spread.”
While major outbreaks are rare at events of this magnitude, the potential for them to emerge and strain health systems is undeniable. The spectrum of potential threats ranges from the highly unlikely, such as an imported Ebola case, to the far more probable, like the spread of influenza and measles in packed venues. Additionally, there’s a notable overlooked risk of increased sexually transmitted infections and mosquito-borne diseases establishing a presence in new areas.
Ebola Risk Low, Respiratory and Vector-Borne Diseases More Likely
Regarding Ebola, Dr. Henao acknowledged that while no approved vaccines, rapid tests, or treatments exist for the most recent strain, making an outbreak potentially devastating, the likelihood of it reaching a World Cup stadium is very low. “The risk of Ebola reaching a World Cup stadium is very low,” Dr. Henao stated. “That’s because the virus spreads only through direct contact with bodily fluids like blood or saliva, not through the air, and infected people aren’t contagious until they show symptoms.” He also noted that existing travel restrictions and screening measures by the US, Canada, and Mexico, along with recommendations for European countries, further mitigate this specific risk.
Instead, Dr. Henao pointed to respiratory infections as a more pressing concern. These diseases, easily transmitted through coughing, sneezing, and breathing, could flourish in crowded environments. Measles, in particular, is a cause for ‘special concern’ due to its current surge in the US, Canada, and Mexico.
Mosquito-Borne Illnesses and STIs on the Horizon
The threat of mosquito-borne diseases is also elevated, especially for matches scheduled in southern US and Mexican host cities. Dengue fever cases saw a significant spike in the US in 2024, with nearly 3,800 cases reported, a substantial increase over the previous 14-year average. While most of these cases were linked to travelers returning from the Caribbean and Central America, locally acquired cases have been identified, primarily in Los Angeles. Dr. Henao warned that travelers could also introduce diseases like yellow fever and Oropouche virus from their home countries, potentially leading to locally acquired cases through mosquito bites, as familiarity with these illnesses among US physicians can be low.
The potential for a surge in sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is also a significant, though often overlooked, concern. Research indicates that a substantial portion of international travelers engage in casual sex, with a high percentage of these encounters being unprotected. “About 1 in 5 international travelers engages in casual sex, according to one study, and nearly half of those encounters are unprotected,” Dr. Henao reported.
Protective Measures Recommended for Attendees
To mitigate these risks, Dr. Henao advised attendees to take proactive steps to protect their health. These recommendations include ensuring routine vaccinations are up-to-date, practicing safe sex, utilizing mosquito repellent, and staying home or wearing a mask if feeling unwell.
