England monitoring USA measles outbreak with World Cup less than three weeks away

England are monitoring a measles outbreak in the United States with fewer than three weeks remaining before the World Cup kicks off, the FA having received guidance from FIFA on the situation. The Three Lions open their campaign against Croatia less than a week into the tournament, which is co-hosted by the USA, Mexico, and Canada.

The United States is on course for its worst rise in measles cases in decades, according to reports, and FIFA has flagged the situation to all 48 nations competing in the tournament. England are described as ‘alert’ to the outbreak after receiving advice from the governing body.

Reports from Germany suggested that organisers were mandating vaccinations for all players and staff, but that claim is not thought to be accurate.

Mark Jit, Chair and Professor of the Department of Global and Environmental Health at New York University, outlined the scale of the risk. “These outbreaks this year are far larger than the US has typically seen in recent decades,” he said. “This is worrying because measles isn’t a mild illness — it can cause serious complications and can occasionally be fatal. So an event that brings large numbers of people together in crowded settings is a concern.”

Jit added that measles is among the most contagious infections known to medicine, spreading more readily than influenza or Covid-19. “If someone with measles was in a crowded stadium, there’s a very good chance that they could infect other unvaccinated people nearby,” he said. “The challenge is that someone with measles could spread the virus to others before they get a rash.”

He offered some reassurance, however, noting that two doses of the MMR vaccine provide strong protection. “If the entire squad is fully vaccinated, the risk of a team-wide outbreak is extremely low,” he said.

The measles concern arrives days after a separate health issue affected another competing nation. The Democratic Republic of Congo were forced to relocate their pre-tournament training camp following a rise in Ebola cases in the country. FIFA confirmed it is “aware of and monitoring the situation regarding an Ebola outbreak” and said it is in close communication with the DRC Football Association to ensure the squad receives all relevant medical and security guidance.