WHO calls on soccer fans to keep up with immunization ahead of World Cup

The World Health Organization (WHO) called on soccer fans traveling to Brazil for the 2014 FIFA World Cup to review their vaccination records prior to departure.

The campaign message was conveyed ahead of the 2014 Vaccination Week in the Americas. Using language filled with references to soccer, this year's campaign will run on April 26-30 under the slogan, “Vaccination: Your best shot.”

“We have chosen this theme as a call to action to stress the importance of protecting against preventable diseases through vaccination during the FIFA World Cup, with a special focus on measles and rubella,” explained Alba María Ropero, regional advisor for the Immunization Program of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO).

The Americas vs. Measles and Rubella: One shot to win the game from PAHO on Vimeo.

The World Cup, which takes place in 12 Brazilian cities between June 12 and July 13, provides a fertile “breeding ground” for diseases that have no longer been endemic to the region for years. Endemic measles contagion was eradicated from the Americas in 2002, and rubella, in 2009.

“And yet measles continues to circulate throughout the world. Countries like Brazil, Canada, Ecuador, and the United States have reported import-related cases,” Ropero said.

When endemic measles contagion was banished in November 2002, American countries began reporting imports from overseas. By 2012, 2,771 cases had been reported.

“The Vaccination Week provides an opportunity for us to prepare for this challenge while securing the progress we've already made in our region, including efforts to enhance immunization activities targeted at travelers and other high-risk groups, like healthcare and travel and tourism workers, or journalists,” Ropero listed.

The concern is not unjustified. In 2013, 19 out of the 32 countries participating in the 2014 FIFA World Cup reported measles cases in 2013. Moreover, sporting events like the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, Canada, and the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa were reportedly associated with a significant number of measles cases in Canada, Argentina, and Brazil, according to Ropero.

* With information from Agência Lusa

Translated by Mayra Borges