Outbreak News:
- There are over 1000 cases and 250 people dead in the ongoing Ebola outbreak, most in DR Congo, though the actual case count is likely much higher. (CDC)
- The U.S. expanded Ebola airport screening to include airports in Houston and Atlanta, JFK in NY, and Dulles in DC. Citizens who have traveled to DRC, Uganda, or South Sudan must fly there, and non-citizens must wait 21 days after visiting those countries to come to the U.S. (CDC)
- …but an American reporter returning to the U.S. from Uganda wasn’t screened at the airport. (Hill)
- After backlash, a Kenyan court temporarily blocked the U.S. from setting up a quarantine facility there for Americans who may have been exposed to Ebola. (Bloomberg)
- There are 2 new cases of hantavirus, both from the cruise ship where the outbreak started. One in the Netherlands, one in Spain. In the U.S., everyone is still negative. (YLE)
- An experimental hantavirus treatment was sent to European countries where patients are being treated. (Forbes)
Health News:
- Measles has slowed considerably but there are still 20-30 new cases per week. Utah, NYC, Oregon and Washington are recent hotspots. (FOI Clinical)
- U.S. dengue cases jumped 359% in 2024 amid a global surge. (CIDRAP)
- Hikers on the Pacific Crest Trail have been hit (again) with norovirus, including one who had to be air rescued. (SFGate)
- An FDA panel recommended that the U.S. update fall COVID shots to target the newer XFG strain, nicknamed “stratus.” (NBC)
- One Minnesota theater was hit by a norovirus outbreak and a cyber attack in the same week. Ouch! (KSTP)
- Summer colds are likely peaking right now – if you have lots of sick employees, you’re not alone, but know it should get better soon! (YLE/CDC)
- Scientists are tackling food waste with more accurate sell-by dates for meat based on microbial activity. (Food Safety)
- Some good news: scientists discovered a potential cure for 1 in 5 chronic hepatitis B patients. (NY Times)
Best Question:
Should we be worried about Ebola coming to the U.S. with the World Cup visitors?
The World Cup and other mega sporting events are always a public health concern because there are just SO many humans gathering together. The U.S. has said the DRC team must isolate for 21 days before competing in the U.S. World Cup matches, but that doesn’t account for the millions of fans coming from all over the world.
In short, we’re not super worried, but that’s partially due to a massive behind-the-scenes effort by public health officials here in the U.S. and around the world. That said, we do think it pays to be prepared.
Here’s why we’re not panicking:
- The 2014 World Cup in Brazil took place during the largest Ebola outbreak in history, and there was no outbreak related to the event.
- Ebola doesn’t spread like COVID or even the Andes strain of hantavirus. It requires close contact with body fluids from someone who is actively sick - which is why it’s associated with family, caregivers, burials, and healthcare workers. That makes it a much lower risk for a crowded sports arena, since it’s not spreading through the air, casual contact or food.
- There are amazing public health efforts, both governmental and private, to monitor issues in real time and send warnings if needed. The Health Security Operations Center at Georgetown University will bring together researchers, tech companies, and health departments in one place to work together during the games. Researchers at the Brown Pandemic Center put together a map of where teams are staying, training, and playing. Local health departments are increasing wastewater surveillance. The public health community is all over this.
Overall, we’re keeping an eye on it but agree with most experts that Ebola risk is low. What we’re actually more worried about is measles, a much more likely threat that spreads incredibly easily through the air and could cause more outbreaks in the U.S. as fans move with their teams.
If you’re operating in or near a World Cup venue, don’t hesitate to reach out to ZHH to help develop a crisis prevention and response plan. We’re happy to help!
Sources: YLE, Yahoo, CNN
Best Read:
This Bloomberg article sums up just how many diseases - from Ebola and dengue to measles and whooping cough - could mix when six million people from every continent but Antarctica come together to watch the World Cup across three North American borders. It also highlights an interesting new trend - the role of private companies in public health surveillance.
