The World Cup vs. bugs, germs and heat: Here's the game plan

The World Cup is set to begin on June 11 in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, with millions of fans expected to fill stadiums across 16 cities. Public health officials have been working diligently for a year to ensure the health and safety of these crowds. This intensive preparation is challenging, especially in the U.S. where reduced federal funding has increased the workload for local health departments.

Officials are addressing several key challenges. One major concern is the intense summer heat, particularly in cities like Atlanta, nicknamed "Hotlanta." To combat this, cooling stations and hydration points will be available for fans. Another significant task is food safety. Environmental health workers will inspect numerous food vendors daily to prevent food poisoning and give attendees confidence in the food they consume. When large crowds gather, the spread of germs is a major risk. Health teams are actively monitoring for various diseases like measles, which is highly contagious, and other infections.

In Dallas, which hosts the most matches, health workers are stepping up disease surveillance. This includes checking wastewater for common diseases and setting mosquito traps to test for viruses like West Nile, dengue, and Zika, especially due to international travel. They are also distributing health tips in multiple languages, advising people to hydrate, use bug spray, and stay home if sick. These extensive efforts aim to create a safe and festive atmosphere for everyone enjoying the World Cup.