#19,183
As we discussed at some length last January (see Public Health Ontario: Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (HIRA) For the FIFA World Cup 2026 Games in Toronto), this summer 16 cities across 3 North American countries (Canada, Mexico, U.S) will host the 2026 world cup, with over 5 million fans expected to travel to the various venues.
As with all mass gathering events (see Potential Impact of Hajj 2025 & Other Mass Gathering Events On Public Health) there are always public health concerns.
While some of the more exotic diseases (avian flu, MERS-CoV, Ebola, etc.) are often the first threats that come to mind, most infectious illnesses acquired during these mass gathering/migration events are far more common; seasonal flu, COVID, pneumonia, measles, meningococcal disease, mpox, norovirus, and vector borne infections (Zika, CHKV, Dengue, Malaria, Yellow Fever, etc.) (see CDC's Traveler's Health Saudi Arabia).
Not all public health threats will be from infectious diseases; as increased heat-related illnesses, accidents, substance use, and overdoses are also often associated with these types of events.
Accordingly, this week the LA County Department of Public Health released the following HAN Advisory for health care providers on the upcoming World Cup festivities.
Similar advisories will no doubt be issued by other World Cup venues, as local hospitals, EMS units, and public health agencies gear up to provide essential services during these events.