It’s not Ebola you need to be worried about with the World Cup. These are the real health risks.
NJ.com • • general
Key Points:
- The World Cup is expected to attract 1.2 million international tourists, raising concerns about the potential spread of rare diseases like Ebola and hantavirus, though experts emphasize these are statistically unlikely to affect the general public.
- Healthcare professionals are more concerned about common illnesses such as upper respiratory viruses (flu, COVID-19, RSV), food-borne illnesses like E.Coli and norovirus, and the resurgence of measles due to declining vaccination rates.
- The CDC and Department of Homeland Security have enhanced travel screening and public health measures to prevent Ebola entry amid ongoing outbreaks in Africa, while hantavirus risk remains extremely low despite recent global outbreaks.
- Beyond infectious diseases, emergency management officials are preparing for mass casualty events, crowd injuries, heat emergencies, and other public safety issues related to large gatherings during the World Cup.
- With temperatures expected to reach the upper 80s to mid-90s, experts advise fans to take precautions against heat-related illnesses by wearing loose clothing, staying hydrated, avoiding excessive alcohol, and seeking medical help if symptoms arise.