DPH Monitoring Ebola, Mpox, Measles, H5N1 and Other Infectious Disease Threats; Connecticut Residents and Visitors Encouraged To Take Commonsense Precautions
(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont and the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) are issuing guidance to help Connecticut residents and visitors navigate the current infectious disease landscape with accurate information and practical guidance, particularly as the 2026 World Cup soccer matches bring an unprecedented surge of international travelers to the region.
The tournament runs from June 11 through July 19 with nearby host cities including New York/New Jersey, Boston, and Philadelphia. It is expected to draw in millions of fans, athletes, journalists, and tourists from across the globe. This historic gathering is a cause for celebration but also for monitoring infectious diseases that have made recent headlines.
“As we prepare to welcome tourists visiting the region for the World Cup, I want Connecticut residents to know we are looking out for their health and safety,” Governor Lamont said. “The Connecticut Department of Public Health and our public health experts are actively monitoring for any signs of infectious disease activity and have robust systems in place to respond quickly if needed—however low the risk may be. To be clear, the risk to Connecticut residents is very low, although I encourage everyone to continue to keep taking sensible precautions by staying up to date on vaccines and practicing good hygiene.”
“DPH has spent months preparing for the unique infectious disease challenges that come with hosting a global event of this scale,” Connecticut Public Health Commissioner Manisha Juthani, M.D., said. “We have activated our Incident Management Team, expanded disease surveillance, and established real-time communication protocols with local, national, and international health authorities. We encourage all attendees to stay current on their vaccinations, practice good hand hygiene, and seek care promptly if they feel unwell. We want everyone to enjoy this historic event with confidence in our infrastructure and knowledge that the risk to Connecticut residents remains low.”
What Connecticut is Monitoring
Ebola: Serious Globally, Low Direct Risk to Connecticut Residents
The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda involves the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, for which no approved vaccine currently exists. The risk to residents remains low.
Ebola does not spread through the air. It requires direct contact with the bodily fluids of a person who is actively sick. There are no confirmed cases in the United States linked to this outbreak at this time.
DPH notified healthcare facilities to have a heightened awareness for patients with travel histories presenting with fever, hemorrhagic symptoms, or unexplained severe illness, particularly those with recent travel to the DRC or Uganda. The Connecticut State Public Health Laboratory is equipped to test for Ebola, providing the state with critical in-state diagnostic capacity.
Measles: The Risk for Connecticut
Measles will likely pose a higher risk of transmission at the tournament, driven by high global burden and declining vaccination rates. As of early June, more than 2,000 measles cases have been reported in the United States this year. Since 2025, there have been more than 4,000 reported cases in the U.S., the largest number in decades. Connecticut’s measles vaccination (MMR) rate is the highest in the nation and the state has not had any cases in 2026.
Measles spreads easily through the air and can remain infectious in a room for hours after an infected person has left. Large international gatherings like these soccer matches create conditions where measles can move quickly through unvaccinated populations.
DPH urges all residents to verify that they are up to date on MMR vaccination before attending any large public gatherings, including tournament events, viewing parties, and travel to host cities. The MMR vaccine is safe, highly effective, and widely available through healthcare providers and pharmacies across Connecticut.
Clade I Mpox: Connecticut Has Confirmed Its First Case
Connecticut recently confirmed its first case of Clade I mpox, a strain that has been increasingly spreading internationally. Large international gatherings are often associated with increases in sexual activity, tourism, and temporary social networks, all of which can contribute to increased transmission of mpox and other sexually transmitted infections including gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, and HIV.
The mpox vaccine is available through healthcare providers and pharmacies across Connecticut.
Safer sex is about more than reducing risk, it’s about making informed choices that protect personal health while supporting positive, enjoyable experiences. Testing for mpox and sexually transmitted infections is available through commercial laboratories and the Connecticut State Public Health Laboratory. (For more information, click here.)
H5N1 Bird Flu: Ongoing Monitoring, Low General Public Risk
DPH continues to monitor H5N1 avian influenza, which has been detected in wildlife, dairy cattle herds, and poultry operations across the United States. No commercial dairy or poultry operations in Connecticut have been affected. Risk to humans remains low; however, busy summer events and the movement of international visitors through Connecticut means our surveillance systems must remain sharp.
As a reminder, commercially pasteurized dairy products are safe, and properly cooked poultry poses no H5N1 risk.
Respiratory Diseases: COVID-19 and Influenza Remain in Circulation
COVID-19 and influenza continue to circulate in Connecticut and nationally, and large international gatherings can accelerate the spread. Respiratory viruses spread easily in crowded indoor and outdoor settings, and an influx of international travelers increases the likelihood of exposure to circulating strains.
DPH encourages all residents and visitors to ensure they are up to date on both their COVID-19 and annual influenza vaccinations before attending tournament events, viewing parties, or traveling to host cities. Vaccines for both are widely available through healthcare providers and pharmacies across Connecticut. If individuals are feeling unwell, they are encouraged to stay home.
Hantavirus: Risk to Connecticut Remains Very Low
Following the Andes hantavirus cluster aboard a cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean, DPH has maintained active monitoring and distributed guidance to healthcare partners statewide. The risk to the general Connecticut public remains extremely low. Andes hantavirus does not spread through casual contact or air, and there is no U.S. community spread linked to the cruise ship cluster.
Protect Yourself From Increased Infection Risk This Summer
Before attending large public gatherings or traveling:
- Confirm you and your family are up to date on all recommended vaccinations, especially MMR
- Speak with your healthcare provider if you have upcoming international travel
- Check CDC travel health advisories at www.cdc.gov/travel for the most current guidance for your destination
- Check CDC tips for soccer fans at www.cdc.gov/soccer
While attending large events or traveling:
- Use good hand hygiene, wash hands with soap and water frequently
- Practice safe sex and know how to access testing and care
- If you are unwell, stay home
- Prioritize water, rest, and shade to avoid heat-related illness
If you become ill after travel or attending large events:
- Contact your healthcare provider promptly and share your full travel history
- Do not self-present to an emergency department without calling ahead if you have symptoms consistent with a serious illness and recent international travel history
- Call 2-1-1 Connecticut to be connected to health resources in your area
Connecticut has invested in the infrastructure, laboratory capacity, clinical partnerships, and surveillance systems needed to detect, respond to, and contain infectious disease threats quickly and effectively. The Connecticut State Public Health Laboratory can test for Ebola, mpox, measles, and H5N1. DPH is in active, real-time coordination with the CDC and neighboring state health departments. Connecticut’s hospitals and clinical partners have been briefed and have protocols in place.
Public health officials are monitoring a wide range of potential threats during the tournament, including both expected health concerns and unexpected challenges. The State of Connecticut will continue to issue updates as the situation evolves.