Infection risks associated with the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar

Are we prepared for potential repercussions of international sports events in the midst of a global pandemic?

“…At the end of the Qatar 2022 World Cup, hundreds of new cases of aerosol-borne diseases were reported in Qatar; in fact, the country reported an average of 321 cases daily in November 2022 [ 8 ], while the evolution in the transmission of confirmed COVID-19 cases since the opening of the World Cup showed a very close correlation with the arrival of fans, as determined by an increase in cases that peaked (more than 100% increase in confirmed cases) during the middle of the World Cup (5 December) and gradually decreased as it approached its final stages [ 9 ]. Meanwhile, a large, but undetermined number of tourists complained of undiagnosed respiratory illnesses, and several professional footballers were forced to rest and isolated after being diagnosed with what approximated the MERS [ 10 ].…”

Possible threat of the Omicron subvariant BF.7 to FIH Hockey World Cup 2023 in particular and the South-East Asia Region in general

“…This FIH Hockey World Cup 2023 inevitably poses a potential three-pronged infectious disease risk: COVID-19 (particularly BF.7), mpox and seasonal flu. It calls for meticulous healthcare planning, management and a well-oiled risk assessment to avoid the spread of transmittable disease 4 . Ramped-up tests and booster shots, and random screening of international flyers, are highly essential.…”

Potential threat and possible global spread of the novel SARS-CoV-2 Omicron subvariants including XBB.1.16 during the Indian Premier League 2023: strict implementation of traveller guidelines suggested

“…The ‘new normal’ scenario in the ongoing highly-transmissible pandemic despises that mass gatherings could potentially pose serious health issues facilitating disease transmission and spread. The risks of winter flu, hepatitis A and B, diarrhoea and measles as transmissible diseases, as also multidrug resistant (MDR) bacteria, are high in dense floating population [ 4 ], especially amid the rising cases of XBB.1.6 in India after BF.7 and XBB.1.5. Thus, the 2023 Indian Premier League (IPL) could become a possible superspreader through the fans, spectators and sports enthusiasts.…”