FIFA World Cup Begins: Toronto Healthcare Workers Ready for Global Visitors

As the FIFA World Cup kicks off, Toronto's healthcare workers are ready to ensure the safety of visitors and residents. Months of preparation have focused on potential threats, ranging from mass-casualty incidents to outbreaks of infectious diseases such as measles and norovirus. Dr. Michelle Murti, Toronto's medical officer of health, highlighted the unique challenges of the World Cup's extended duration and international attendance. "We really are inviting the world," she stated, noting the extensive replanning involved. Public health officials are conducting global surveillance for infectious diseases prevalent in travelers' home countries. While federal travel restrictions are in place for visitors from areas with Ebola outbreaks, Murti emphasized that the risk of Ebola is low, with norovirus being a more likely concern. Norovirus, causing nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, is already seeing an uptick in North America. Toronto is increasing wastewater testing near event venues to monitor for early signals of norovirus, measles, and mpox. This surveillance will inform public health messaging on handwashing and staying home when sick, and ensure adequate hygiene facilities. For measles, a highly contagious virus, public health would issue warnings and potentially set up vaccination clinics if needed. Murti strongly advised both Canadian and international fans to ensure they are fully vaccinated against measles, urging, "If you’re heading to a game, if you haven’t checked your vaccine status, please do get boosted if you haven’t had, you know, your two doses."

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We really are inviting the world.