World Cup, as... a breeding ground for dangerous infections? 0 12

Measles, sexually transmitted infections, and dengue: a disease monitoring system has been launched in the US for the duration of the 2026 World Cup, reports RTVI US.

Georgetown University, along with a network of medical institutions, has launched the Center for Medical Security Operations. Since June 1, it has been monitoring outbreak threats 24/7 — from flu and measles to dengue, Ebola, and sexually transmitted infections, reports Scientific American. The opening of the center was prompted by the World Cup, which will gather about 5 million fans in 16 cities across Mexico, the US, and Canada. Areas where football fans congregate will become an ideal environment for the spread of viruses.

Epidemiologists will analyze wastewater for viral DNA and RNA. This will allow them to detect the spread of pathogens several days before infected individuals reach doctors. Upon discovering a virus, researchers will decode its genome, identify the strain, and trace connections between outbreaks in different regions. The monitoring system includes genomic laboratories, biotechnology companies, anonymized medical data, and even social media posts.

Particular concern is raised by measles — one of the most contagious diseases. The virus can remain in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves, and one infected traveler can infect hundreds of people even before they show the first symptoms. Almost 2,000 cases have already been reported in the US this year.

Another potential threat is dengue fever, as many matches will take place during the height of mosquito season in Miami, Houston, Dallas, and Los Angeles. Doctors fear that infected tourists will initiate local transmission of the virus. As for Ebola, the risk to the general public remains low, as the disease is transmitted through contact with the blood or other bodily fluids of an infected person. The national team from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where the outbreak is occurring, underwent a three-week isolation before entering the US.