Millions of people are about to pack stadiums across the U.S., Canada and Mexico for the World Cup, starting June 11.Public health officials have been working to ensure the health and safety of the masses of fans they're expecting at the 104 matches across 16 cities through mid-July.In the U.S., World Cup preparations are coming in a time of a diminished federal health presence and funding.It's upped the workload for host city health departments, as they're also strapped for federal funding.Nevertheless, World Cup host city health officials say they're prepared for the many challenges that come with large-scale celebrations and gatherings.For the latest updates on the Ebola outbreak — and stories of life in our changing world — subscribe to our Global Health Newsletter."We've been focusing on expecting the expected" — issues related to weather, health and human behavior, says Dr.
Marcus Plescia, district health director for Fulton County, Georgia, which includes Atlanta.Planning for the event is ongoing, says Dr.Philip Huang, director of Dallas County Health and Human Services in Texas.
"To be able to begin preparations a year out is a luxury for us, compared to a lot of the situations that we deal with," he says.For public health departments, the World Cup is a big deal –- but they're well prepared for the biggest challenges.Summer heat, for instance."We call Atlanta 'Hotlanta' for a reason," says Georgia's Dr.
Plescia, "It's going to be hot and humid here -– so heat-related injuries are going to be an issue."Atlanta is hosting eight World Cup matches and the team from Uzbekistan.At downtown Centennial Olympic Park, a month-long fan festival is expected to draw some 15,000 people a day.
Cooling stations will offer air-conditioning and hydration.Then there's feeding the crowds."The biggest lift for us and for all health departments is that our environmental health workers have to inspect all of the food vendors –- and there will be a whole lot of fo...