| LAC DPH Health Advisory:
World Cup 2026 and Summer Mass Gatherings
May 27, 2026
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This message is intended for all healthcare providers.
Please distribute as appropriate.
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A large influx of domestic and international travelers is expected into Los Angeles County from June through July 2026, with highest concentration anticipated between June 12 and July 10 in connection with the World Cup.
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Healthcare providers should be on increased alert for travel-related emerging and seasonal infectious diseases, including, but not limited to, measles, influenza, mpox, hepatitis A, dengue, chikungunya, and malaria.
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Providers should report all mandatory diseases to Public Health. Be aware of diseases that are immediately reportable by phone (indicated in red) on the List of Reportable Conditions, including any unusual disease, and outbreaks of any disease. Report cases that are identified in LA County to Public Health, even if the patient is traveling from another jurisdiction.
- Providers can direct patients to public health tips and resources for World Cup matches and large events at Winning Starts with Staying Safe.
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From June to July 2026, Los Angeles County is expecting a substantial influx of domestic and international travelers associated with the 2026 World Cup and related events.
SoFi Stadium will host eight World Cup matches from June 12 through July 10, 2026. There will be additional Fan Festivals and other large public gatherings occurring throughout the county. More than 150,000 domestic and international visitors are expected in LA County during this time period.
In addition, the World Cup period overlaps with Pride Month and other large regional gatherings within and outside of LA County that may further increase visitor volume and travel-associated exposures.
Mass gatherings may create elevated risk for the spread of infectious diseases due to close contact among people from diverse geographic regions. Providers should maintain awareness for:
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Respiratory viral illnesses, including influenza A and COVID-19;
- Vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles, pertussis, and mumps;
- Gastrointestinal illnesses;
- Infections spread through close or intimate contact, including mpox and sexually transmitted infections; and
- Travel-associated infections such as dengue, chikungunya, and malaria.
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Southern Hemisphere influenza circulation typically occurs from April to September, and may contribute to imported influenza cases during this period.
Providers evaluating patients should obtain recent travel and event attendance histories and consider appropriate infection prevention measures and testing based on the history and clinical presentation.
In addition to infectious diseases, providers should anticipate increased presentations related to heat-related illness, dehydration, substance use, and overdose, which may increase during large public gatherings and celebrations.
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Actions Requested of Providers
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- Be alert for travel-related emerging and seasonal infectious diseases.
- Ask symptomatic patients about domestic or international travel history or attendance at a World Cup game or related fan event, Pride event, or other large gathering.
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Refer patients to public health World Cup safety resources — including heat, alcohol and drug, food, and pedestrian safety, and communicable disease prevention — on the LAC DPH Winning Starts with Staying Safe website.
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Consider proactively prescribing or recommending naloxone to at-risk patients in anticipation of increased substance use. Free naloxone will be available during the tournament period at Fan Zones and Health Stations (for locations, see Winning Starts with Staying Safe).
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Be vigilant for unusual clusters of illness or symptoms that might signal an outbreak, such as an increased presentation of people with febrile illnesses, gastrointestinal illnesses, influenza-like respiratory illnesses, and heat-related illnesses.
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Report immediately by phone to Public Health any disease listed in red on the Reportable Diseases and Conditions List, as well as any outbreak or unusual disease, regardless of patient residence. Refer to the Health Professional Mandatory Reporting Page for reportable conditions.
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For conditions that require immediate notification
Note: Please include any information that may link illness to attendance at a World Cup or Pride event.
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Los Angeles County DPH Acute Communicable Disease Control:
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Weekdays 8:00 am–5:00 pm: call 213-240-7941.
- After-hours: call 213-974-1234 and ask for the physician on call.
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Long Beach Health and Human Services:
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Weekdays 8:00 am-5:00 pm: call 562-570-4302.
- After hours: call the Duty Officer at 562-500-5537.
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Pasadena Public Health Department:
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Weekdays 8:00 am-5:00 pm: call 626-744-6089.
- After hours: call 626-744-6043.
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This communication was sent by Dr. Muntu Davis, Los Angeles County Health Officer.
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To view this LAHAN in PDF format, view past communications, or sign-up to receive LAHANs, please visit ph.lacounty.gov/lahan.
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