Amid the World Championship games held in North America, health authorities have issued warnings against the risk of spreading infectious diseases during the tournament.
Medianews.az reports that experts assess the situation related to the influx of millions of fans to stadiums, fan zones, and tourist spots as a "high-risk period."
During the games held over six weeks in 16 cities, it is stated that large crowds may facilitate the spread of diseases ranging from gastrointestinal infections to norovirus and dengue fever.
The Pan American Health Organization has issued an urgent warning specifically regarding measles. The incidence of infection recorded in the USA raises concerns about possible spread in Canada and Mexico as well. Health experts emphasize that unvaccinated individuals can rapidly spread the virus at mass events and call for vaccination.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and local health authorities are simultaneously monitoring wastewater analysis, hospital admissions, and social media data for early detection of potential epidemics.
It is reported that wastewater testing allows detection of virus spread days before clinical cases appear. Due to traces of pathogens such as hepatitis A and rotavirus found in some cities, controls have been strengthened at airports and other entry points.
Health authorities are also monitoring ongoing Ebola cases in Central Africa. However, experts state that the risk of Ebola in the context of the tournament is low, since the virus is mainly transmitted through direct contact with body fluids.
Nevertheless, the main concern is emphasized to be infections spread through airborne droplets. It is noted that diseases like measles can spread faster at crowded events.//Qafqazinfo