The World Cup’s Real Viral Threats Aren’t Ebola Or Hantavirus

InnovationHealthcareThe World Cup’s Real Viral Threats Aren’t Ebola Or HantavirusByMatthew Binnicker,Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Matt Binnicker is the CSO for Mayo Clinic Laboratories. Follow AuthorJun 10, 2026, 05:10pm EDTSEVILLE, SPAIN - NOVEMBER 18: Fans of Spain show their support prior to the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Spain and Türkiye at Estadio de La Cartuja on November 18, 2025 in Seville, Spain. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)Getty ImagesAs billions of fans tune in to the 2026 FIFA World Cup and millions travel to stadiums across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, health officials are keeping a close eye on the potential spread of infectious diseases. Two viruses have dominated recent headlines: an ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda has led to over 600 confirmed cases and 115 deaths. Meanwhile, a cruise ship outbreak of hantavirus in April 2026 resulted in 11 confirmed cases and 3 deaths among passengers and crew. The proximity of these outbreaks with a global sporting event has many asking, “Do I need to worry about Ebola or hantavirus at the World Cup?”A man hangs an Ebola awareness banner in the Kigonze camp in Bunia, in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, on May 28, 2026. An Ebola hemorrhagic fever outbreak is spreading rapidly in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo.AFP via Getty ImagesWhy Ebola And Hantavirus Aren’t A Major Concern At World CupInfectious diseases experts have consistently indicated that neither Ebola nor hantavirus will result in significant outbreaks stemming from World Cup events. Individuals infected with Ebola are not contagious before they develop symptoms, and transmission generally requires direct contact with body fluids from someone who is sick. Importantly, Ebola is not spread through the respiratory route, including coughing and sneezing. Although the recent hantavirus outbrea...