Key Messages

• A large influx of domestic and international travelers is expected into Southern California from June through July 2026, with highest concentration anticipated between June 12 and July 10 in connection with the World Cup. 
• 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.
• Providers should report all mandatory diseases to Orange County Health Care Agency's Communicable Disease Control Division at (714) 834-8180.
• Be aware of diseases that are immediately reportable by phone on the List of Reportable Conditions (indicated in red on second page) including any unusual disease, and outbreaks of any disease.
• Report cases that are identified in Orange 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 Safety for Soccer Fans. 

From June to July 2026, Orange 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. The US Men’s National Team’s practice facility is in Irvine. There will be additional fan fests, watch parties and other large public gatherings occurring throughout Orange County.

Large crowds 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: 

• Respiratory viral illnesses, including influenza A and COVID-19;
• Vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles, varicella, pertussis, mumps, and meningococcal disease
• 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. 

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.  

• Maintain high suspicion 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 or other large gathering.
• Refer patients to CDC’s Safety for Soccer Fans website for guidance on heat safety, alcohol and drug safety, food safety, pedestrian safety, and communicable disease prevention.
• Consider proactively prescribing or recommending naloxone to at-risk patients in anticipation of increased substance use.
• 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.
• Report immediately by phone (714) 834-8180 to Orange County Communicable Disease Program 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 Healthcare Provider Reporting Page for reportable conditions.

For conditions that require immediate notification please call CDCD at (714) 834-8180.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

• Safety for Soccer Fans
• Travel Health Notices

For questions or concerns, please contact the Communicable Disease Control Division at 714-834-8180.