The World Cup’s Real Viral Threats Aren’t Ebola Or Hantavirus

As billions of fans tune in to the 2026 FIFA World Cup and millions travel to stadiums across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, health officials are keeping a close eye on the potential spread of infectious diseases. Two viruses have dominated recent headlines: an ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda has led to over 600 confirmed cases and 115 deaths. Meanwhile, a cruise ship outbreak of hantavirus in April 2026 resulted in 11 confirmed cases and 3 deaths among passengers and crew.

The proximity of these outbreaks with a global sporting event has many asking, “Do I need to worry about Ebola or hantavirus at the World Cup?”

Why Ebola And Hantavirus Aren’t A Major Concern At World Cup

Infectious diseases experts have consistently indicated that neither Ebola nor hantavirus will result in significant outbreaks stemming from World Cup events. Individuals infected with Ebola are not contagious before they develop symptoms, and transmission generally requires direct contact with body fluids from someone who is sick. Importantly, Ebola is not spread through the respiratory route, including coughing and sneezing.

Although the recent hantavirus outbreak was caused by a strain (i.e., Andes) that has shown the potential for limited human-to-human transmission, this is believed to be a rare occurrence. Hantaviruses are most commonly spread through contact with urine, feces or saliva of infected rodents. High-risk activities include cleaning out a cabin, shed, or basement that has evidence of rodent nesting material or is contaminated with rodent urine and/or feces.

These Viruses Have The Potential to Cause Problems

Whenever large gatherings occur, including large sporting events, there is a risk for increased transmission of certain infectious diseases, especially those spread through the respiratory or gastrointestinal routes. As a result, there are several viruses that are more likely to cause outbreaks stemming from World Cup games and events.

Norovirus

This virus causes an abrupt onset of vomiting and diarrhea, and is spread primarily through the fecal-oral route. The virus is present at very high levels in stool, and can be spread effectively from an infected individual to others, especially if those who are sick contaminate food that others consume. With catering events at watch parties, shared food and drinks, and crowded stadiums, World Cup events represent near-ideal conditions for a norovirus outbreak. A retrospective review of stool samples from the 2022 FIFA World Cup found foodborne pathogens in nearly 20% of samples, with norovirus leading the viral category at 35%.

Covid-19

Although the number of Covid-19 associated infections, hospitalizations and deaths are down significantly since pandemic levels, the virus continues to cause outbreaks worldwide. As of February 2026, only 17.5% of adults in the United States had reported receiving the updated Covid-19 vaccine. With the continued emergence of Covid-19 variants, this puts a substantial number of people at-risk for infection during large gatherings, which will be common throughout the World Cup.

Measles

The number of confirmed measles cases in the United States has surpassed 2,000, putting this year on pace to be the worst for measles in nearly 3 decades. Measles virus is one of the most infectious agents on the planet, and as vaccination coverage has declined in many countries worldwide, the virus represents a threat at any large social gathering. One person with measles can, on average, infect 12 to 18 other, non-immune individuals. This is stark contrast to Ebola, which generally has been shown to have an R-naught of 1.5 to 2, meaning that an infected person typically spreads the disease to fewer than 2 other people.

Mpox and HSV

In addition to respiratory and gastrointestinal viruses being common following large gatherings, sexually transmitted infections also tend to increase in the wake of these events. Post-game nightlife and resulting transient social interactions can lead to the spread of sexually transmitted viruses, including Mpox (i.e., monkeypox virus) and herpes simplex virus (HSV). These viruses tend to cause vesicles on the skin or genitalia, and are difficult to distinguish based on symptoms alone. Laboratory testing is needed to determine the cause of the infection and is recommended if symptoms (e.g., rash, fever) develop following a sexual encounter.

What You Can Do To Avoid These Infections During The World Cup

If you plan to attend games or watch parties, here are a few steps you can take to stay safe:

1. If you haven’t already, get vaccinated against Covid-19, measles and other vaccine-preventable diseases.

2. Wash your hands with soap and water after using the bathroom and before eating or preparing/handling food.

3. If you’re sick, stay home.

4. If you have any respiratory symptoms (e.g., cough, sore throat, sneezing) and decide to attend a World Cup event, wear a mask.

5. Wear a condom if you have sex with a new partner.