As the Football World Cup kicks off across Canada, Mexico and the United States, many fans from the European Region will be travelling to attend. Let me reassure you: none of the host countries, nor the European Region, currently has Ebola cases. There is no reason to change your plans. Travel as normal, stay informed and enjoy the tournament.
Large events bring people together, and staying prepared helps keep everyone safe. Be aware of Ebola symptoms such as fever, aches and vomiting. If you’ve recently travelled to the Democratic Republic of the Congo or Uganda and feel unwell within 3 weeks, seek medical care and inform your doctor about your travel. Routine health checks at borders or events are there to protect everyone.
Recently, a patient treated for Ebola in the European Region recovered after evacuation from Uganda. They were safely isolated in Germany, and 5 contacts were isolated and monitored for 21 days. None became ill. There are currently no active cases of Ebola in the Region, and importantly, no local transmission. The overall risk remains low.
Why is the risk low?
- Most cases are in remote areas of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
- Screening is in place before travel from affected regions.
- Ebola does not spread through the air.
- Infection requires direct contact with the bodily fluids of a sick person.
- People are only infectious once visibly ill.
While there is no licensed vaccine or specific treatment for this form, early supportive care is effective, and European Region health systems are well prepared. WHO does not recommend travel restrictions, though if you don’t have to travel to the affected areas in the Democratic Republic of the Congo or Uganda, it is safer not to.
We must also challenge stigma. People from affected regions and African communities have faced unfair suspicion. The spread of Ebola is not determined by nationality or ethnicity. Stigma discourages people from seeking care and can make outbreaks harder to control.
The best protection for the European Region is stopping the outbreak where it began. WHO and partners are actively supporting response efforts in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda, protecting communities there and here alike.
Stay informed, rely on trusted sources and treat others with understanding. With common sense and compassion, we can keep both people and the game safe.