Key facts
- US infectious disease experts consider the risk of Ebola arriving during the 2026 World Cup to be low but not zero.
- US hospitals are prepared to handle potential Ebola cases due to enhanced training and specialized treatment centers.
- Preparedness efforts were significantly boosted following the 2014 West African Ebola outbreak.
- The primary infectious disease threats for the World Cup are considered to be measles, COVID-19, and influenza.
- Ebola requires direct contact with bodily fluids and is not airborne, limiting its spread in large crowds.
The risk of Ebola reaching the United States during the 2026 World Cup is considered extremely low, but U.S. health officials and experts emphasize that preparedness remains high. Following the 2014 West African Ebola outbreak, which saw a Liberian man infected with the virus arrive in Dallas, the U.S. significantly increased its funding and capabilities for handling such outbreaks. This includes establishing specialized treatment centers and training thousands of healthcare workers.
While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other global health organizations view Ebola as a low risk compared to more easily transmissible diseases like measles, COVID-19, and influenza, the ongoing outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is a persistent concern. Experts stress that Ebola requires direct contact with bodily fluids and is not airborne, making large crowds less of a transmission risk than for other pathogens.
Preparedness efforts for the World Cup involve not only Ebola but also other potential infectious disease threats. These include simulated MERS outbreaks and guidance on recognizing illnesses not typical of host cities. Travel restrictions and airport screenings are in place, and medical committees in host cities are conducting specific threat assessments. Surveillance tools, such as wastewater monitoring, are also being utilized.
Despite these robust measures, concerns have been raised about the CDC's capacity due to staff cuts and the strain on public health departments. However, experts acknowledge that the remaining personnel are working diligently to ensure public safety during the global event.