As World Cup Begins, Health Officials Issue Warnings Amid Measles Outbreak

Summary

Dr. Amesh Adalja discusses infectious disease risks during the World Cup, highlighting measles as a top concern due to mass gatherings and declining vaccination rates. He explains why the US is likely to lose its measles elimination status, describes the economic impact of the screwworm outbreak on Texas cattle and the beef trade, and assesses US pandemic preparedness as weak.

• Measles is the primary crowd-disease risk at the World Cup, more than Ebola or screwworm
• The US will lose its measles elimination status due to high case counts and vaccine refusal
• No rapid diagnostic test or antiviral for measles exists, making the vaccine the best control
• Innovative surveillance (wastewater, social media) is used by host cities to monitor outbreaks
• Screwworm outbreak in Texas cattle has economic implications, with Canada banning Texas beef imports
• Control of screwworm relies on releasing sterile flies, a slow process
• US and international pandemic response coordination is poor, with CDC weakened and late responses