Risk of Ebola contagion in football is minimal for World Cup fans

The risk of the Ebola epidemic affecting fans during the World Cup is low, according to global health expert Dr. Oliver Johnson of King's College London. Still, enhanced health screening measures and travel restrictions could complicate tournament logistics.

The expanded competition, now with 48 teams and hosted jointly by the United States, Canada and Mexico, will be played between June 11 and July 19.

An Ebola outbreak in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo has already recorded around 600 suspected cases and more than 130 deaths, leading the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare a public health emergency of international concern.

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The situation has already affected the Congolese team's preparation for the World Cup. The team canceled pre-tournament events in Kinshasa and moved its preparations to Belgium.

United States authorities also banned the entry of people without a U.S. passport who have been to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda or South Sudan in the last 21 days, forcing members of the delegation based in Congo to anticipate their travel.

The team should arrive in the United States on June 10th or 11th and will be concentrated in Houston.

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"If you are an average visitor coming from anywhere in the world to the World Cup, I believe your risk of exposure to Ebola is very low," Johnson told Reuters.

"Ebola has virtually never caused transmission in high-income countries, where there have been only very occasional cases."

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"This is because the virus is not transmitted through the air. It usually requires direct contact with someone who is seriously ill, and there is efficient contact tracing. If a case emerges, it is usually identified quickly."

Johnson stressed, however, that the outbreak could have broader impacts.

North American authorities have implemented enhanced screening for travelers arriving at Washington Dulles Airport after recently passing through affected countries, while health agencies work together with FIFA and local authorities to manage possible risks.

"This will affect things like airport queues and screening procedures, which will slow things down," Johnson said.

"There will be an additional level of pressure and costs for the United States to organize this operation."

"Another possibility is that we hope the outbreak does not go beyond the borders of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. If that happens, there could be a ripple effect with new travel restrictions or additional screenings, and this could happen at short notice."

Johnson also recommended that fans adopt basic prevention measures, such as good hand hygiene and avoiding close contact if they show symptoms of illness. According to him, fans must respect each other and avoid stigmatization, preserving the inclusive spirit of the World Cup.

The Democratic Republic of Congo opens against Portugal, in Houston, before facing Colombia, in Guadalajara, and Uzbekistan, in Atlanta.

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Source: CNN