ATLANTA, GEORGIA - MAY 16: Attendees stand in line for the fan mart during the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour on May 16, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Todd Kirkland/FIFA/via Getty Images
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Todd Kirkland/FIFA/via Getty Images
Despite a diminished federal presence, public health departments are preparing for common ailments that could afflict fans who gather for the event — and are keeping an eye on the Ebola outbreak, too.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - MAY 16: Attendees stand in line for the fan mart during the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour on May 16, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Todd Kirkland/FIFA/via Getty Images
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Todd Kirkland/FIFA/via Getty Images

Although rare diseases like Ebola are concerning, experts say that most public health preparation for the World Cup has been…

Officials are more concerned about highly contagious diseases like measles and respiratory viruses, which can spread quickly…

Public health workers have been preparing for months for an onslaught of soccer fans, along with any illnesses they might get.

‘Any time so many people are traveling, there's always the possibility of various outbreaks or whatnot to happen,’ the CDC’s…

“Infectious disease threats during the World Cup will almost certainly look much more familiar than frightening headlines…

Health officials will be on high alert for germs as millions of soccer fans gather for World Cup matches