The Public Health Agency of Canada warns the public that measles could spread to Vancouver and Toronto, which will host FIFA World Cup matches.
“The risk of importing measles is high due to its global prevalence,” the Agency estimates.
“This could lead to transmission among vulnerable populations and close contacts, which would have a moderate impact on the host city’s population,” according to a risk assessment available on its website.
Dr. Brian Conway, medical director at the Vancouver Infectious Diseases Centre, also believes there could be new cases of measles during the soccer World Cup, which will take place from June 11 to July 19. “Because adults will interact in bars, packed stadiums, there is a risk of transmission, which is what worries us the most,” he said.
Dr. Conway highlights the decreasing vaccination rate in British Columbia and the increasing number of visitors from less vaccinated areas. He emphasizes the contagious nature of the disease and the need to be prepared for it.
In 2010, a measles outbreak occurred after the Winter Olympics in Vancouver, with 82 cases reported in British Columbia.
Dr. Mark Lysyshyn, Deputy Chief Medical Health Officer at Vancouver Coastal Health Authority, acknowledges the risk of communicable diseases during mass gatherings. He believes the risk of an outbreak is low due to high vaccination rates in the region.
Planning has been in place for three years before the World Cup. Surveillance is ongoing to detect and notify any cases of diseases during such events.
The City of Vancouver has implemented comprehensive emergency management plans for major events in cooperation with public safety and health partners, including Vancouver Coastal Health Authority and the province.
“We continue to closely monitor the situation and are ready to respond appropriately if problems arise,” they added.
A total of nearly 1000 measles cases have been reported in Canada since the beginning of the year, making it the worst epidemic in over 30 years.
In British Columbia, 440 confirmed cases and 30 probable cases of measles were reported between January 1, 2025, and May 7, 2026, with over 80% of cases in the northern part of the province.
Professor Monika Naus from the School of Population and Public Health at the University of British Columbia explains that large international gatherings always increase the risk of infectious disease spread.
She notes that the risk to the general public remains low because most adults are vaccinated against measles. However, she expresses concerns for residents in the northern part of the province, where vaccination rates are lower.
– Context: The article discusses the potential spread of measles in Vancouver and Toronto during the FIFA World Cup. – Fact Check: The content about measles outbreaks, vaccination rates, and expert opinions is accurate and supported by health authorities.
