Health authorities monitor infection risks ahead of 2026 World Cup

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, scheduled to begin on June 11 in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is expected to draw millions of international visitors across 16 host cities. Health experts are highlighting the potential for increased transmission of infectious diseases due to mass gatherings in stadiums, hotels, and transport hubs. The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has urged travelers to ensure they are fully vaccinated, citing a significant rise in measles cases in the host nations this year. Beyond measles, authorities are monitoring risks related to norovirus, hepatitis A, rotavirus, and mosquito-borne illnesses like dengue and chikungunya. Respiratory infections including flu and COVID-19 remain a primary concern, while experts consider the risk of Ebola transmission at the event to be extremely low. To mitigate these risks, scientists are employing sophisticated surveillance techniques, including wastewater analysis, emergency room data, and social media monitoring. While large-scale outbreaks are historically rare at such events, officials remain in a state of heightened alert to ensure public health safety during the six-week tournament.