World Cup Health Risks: Preparing for Infectious Diseases, Ebola, Heat, and Crowd Safety

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New York City and New Jersey hospitals are ramping up infectious disease preparedness ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will bring over 1.2 million visitors to the region—posing risks of imported pathogens like Ebola or Marburg virus, according to drills and training programs led by NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue Hospital.

The World Cup, set to begin June 13 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, will draw massive crowds, including an estimated 250,000 spectators for a Central Park watch party and another 100,000 for Liberty State Park in Jersey City. Public health officials classify the event as a “huge global migration event,” increasing the potential for high-consequence pathogens to enter the U.S. Through international travelers.

Drills and training for high-consequence pathogens

Bellevue Hospital, the nation’s oldest public hospital in NYC, has led elaborate outbreak preparedness exercises involving actor patients and even chartered aircraft to simulate rapid response scenarios. The drills focus on early detection, isolation, and treatment protocols for diseases like Ebola, which has a mortality rate exceeding 50% in some outbreaks. Dr. Vikramjit Mukherjee, chief of critical care and the special pathogens program at Bellevue, emphasized the need for frontline staff to be “ready” as visitors arrive.

“We’re training a lot,” Mukherjee said. “Through June, we’re going to the hospitals next to MetLife Stadium, where people will be more prone to present with symptoms, and making sure their front-end capabilities are ready.”

More than 500 healthcare professionals across hospitals near the stadium have received specialized training, including protocols for screening travelers with fever or respiratory symptoms—a key indicator of many infectious diseases. The NYC Department of Health’s Communicable Disease Preparedness Program has also distributed guidance on screening, isolation, and infection control, including “mystery patient drills” to test hospital response times.

Broader risks: heat, food safety, and travel-related illnesses

Beyond high-consequence pathogens, experts warn of other health risks tied to the event. The Independent cited concerns about heat-related illnesses, given that matches will occur during summer months when temperatures in NYC and New Jersey often exceed 85°F (30°C). Officials are advising visitors to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged sun exposure, and recognize symptoms of heat exhaustion, such as dizziness, nausea, or rapid heartbeat.

Food safety is another priority, as large gatherings increase the risk of outbreaks like norovirus or salmonella. Public health agencies recommend that vendors follow strict hygiene protocols, particularly for perishable foods sold at stadiums and street events.

Ebola concerns in Houston—and lessons for other host cities

While NYC and NJ focus on local preparedness, other World Cup host cities are also on alert. Houston, for example, has seen heightened Ebola concerns due to recent outbreaks in Africa, with local hospitals reviewing protocols for travelers arriving from high-risk regions. Kens5.com reported that Texas health officials are coordinating with the CDC to monitor incoming flights and ensure rapid isolation of symptomatic patients.

These efforts reflect broader public health lessons from past events, such as the 2014 Ebola epidemic, which exposed gaps in global travel health surveillance. The World Cup’s scale—spanning 16 cities across North America—has prompted calls for standardized screening measures, though no federal mandate currently exists.

What comes next: monitoring and adaptation

As the tournament approaches, NYC Health + Hospitals will continue its surveillance efforts, with Bellevue Hospital designated as a regional hub for infectious disease response. The city’s health department has also activated its Medical Reserve Corps to assist with staffing shortages during peak visitor periods.

While the risk of a major outbreak remains low, public health officials stress that preparedness is critical. “New York City is an international crossroads,” noted the NYC Department of Health in its preparedness guidelines. “Outbreaks anywhere in the world can make their way here.” The drills and training underway are designed to ensure that if a case does emerge, hospitals can respond swiftly and effectively.

For visitors, the advice is straightforward: stay informed about local health advisories, seek medical care promptly if symptoms arise, and follow standard travel precautions, including vaccination updates and hand hygiene.