Health Officials Worry About Disease Spread During World Cup
With 230,000 daily visitors expected for FIFA games in Toronto, officials are monitoring risks of measles, mpox, and Ebola spread.
The FIFA World Cup games coming to Toronto in just weeks are drawing massive anticipation—but public health officials are worried about more than just who wins. With over 230,000 daily visitors expected for the tournament, health authorities are on alert for potential disease outbreaks, including measles, mpox, and most recently, Ebola.
The World Health Organization reported that a rare strain of Ebola called Bundibugyo is ravaging the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, with nearly 600 suspected cases and 139 suspected deaths reported so far. WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized the "scale and speed" of the outbreak. While no cases have been confirmed in Canada, the influx of international visitors—particularly those travelling from affected regions—has triggered heightened screening and monitoring protocols.
Ontario's Health Department confirmed that one person has been tested for several infectious diseases, including Ebola, due to travel history. Samples were sent to the National Microbiology Laboratory for analysis. An Air France flight was even diverted to Montreal this week because a passenger from the Democratic Republic of Congo boarded "in error" despite U.S. travel restrictions.
For Toronto residents, the message is clear: be aware of your health during the World Cup period. If you're attending matches or spending time in crowded venues, monitor yourself for symptoms of measles (rash, fever, cough) and seek medical attention if concerned. Vaccination status matters—ensure you're up to date on recommended shots before the games begin.