Why measles and flu, not Ebola, are front of mind for doctors ahead of the World Cup

Article excerpt

As the World Cup draws millions of fans to Qatar, public health officials worry less about Ebola, which dominated recent headlines, and far more about measles and flu spreading across borders. The tournament creates ideal conditions for respiratory viruses: crowded stadiums, international travelers, and populations with varying vaccination rates. Doctors say measles, which causes serious complications and can be prevented by vaccine, poses a particular threat in regions where immunization coverage has dropped during the pandemic. Flu, too, spreads easily in such settings. Health systems are preparing enhanced surveillance and vaccination campaigns, though experts acknowledge the challenge of reaching all attendees before cases spike.