Why is the risk of fans contracting Ebola at the World Cup low?
The virus outbreak in Congo has recorded 600 infections and more than 130 deaths.
Written by Ziad Abdel Fattah:
Dr. Oliver Johnson, an academic specializing in Global Health At King's College London, the risk of fans contracting Ebola at the World Cup is low, but stricter screening procedures and travel restrictions could complicate logistics.
The expanded tournament, featuring 48 teams and hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, will take place from June 11 to July 19.
600 Ebola cases in eastern Congo
The Ebola outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has recorded around 600 suspected cases and more than 130 deaths, prompting the World Health Organization to declare a public health emergency of international concern.
This situation has already disrupted the Democratic Republic of Congo's preparations for the World Cup, as the team has cancelled pre-tournament events in Kinshasa and moved its plans to Belgium.
US authorities also barred entry to non-US passport holders who had been in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, or South Sudan within the past 21 days, forcing Congo-based staff to leave early.
The team is scheduled to arrive in the United States on June 10 or 11 and will be based in Houston.
Johnson told Reuters: ”If you’re a regular visitor to the World Cup from anywhere in the world, I think your risk of contracting Ebola is very low. Ebola hasn’t caused transmission in high-income countries, where there have been very rare cases, because it’s not airborne. It usually requires direct contact with a very sick person, and there’s usually good contact tracing in place, and if a case does occur, it’s identified quickly.”
Johnson said the outbreak could have wider repercussions.
U.S. authorities have implemented enhanced screening procedures for travelers arriving at Washington Dulles airport who have recently been in affected countries, while health agencies are working with FIFA and local officials to manage potential risks.
Johnson said: “This will affect things like airport queues and screening processes, which will slow things down, and it will add some extra pressure and cost the United States money to try to organize it.”
I think the other possibility is that we hope this epidemic does not spread outside the Democratic Republic of Congo, and that may cause side effects such as travel bans or additional screening measures, and that may happen at the last minute.
Johnson added that fans traveling to the tournament should follow basic precautions, such as washing their hands thoroughly and avoiding close contact if they feel unwell. He advised fans to respect others and avoid stigmatization, which would contribute to maintaining the spirit of solidarity and inclusivity at the World Cup.
The Democratic Republic of Congo will open their campaign against Portugal in Houston before facing Colombia in Guadalajara and Uzbekistan in Atlanta.
