Since the Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), didn't go the distance, the World Health Organization is zeroing in on the FIFA World Cup as the Dominican Republic of Congo will play Portugal on June 17th at Houston's NRG Stadium (called the Houston stadium for the event).
As of Wednesday, fifty-one deaths and 600 suspected cases have been confirmed by the W.H.O. Dr. Mary Bowden says the strain that is circulating now has a mortality rate of 30 percent. "You can't spread it if you don't have any symptoms. The average American does not need to worry about this. This is nothing new- it happens periodically. " Bowden said.
The region has had 17 outbreaks since 1976 with the worst strain in 2014 affecting 28,000 people. There has been one recent case in the United States. "The odds of this becoming anything serious are extremely low. Ebola is spread through bodily fluids and is not contagious until symptoms appear." She said.
Since the U.S. withdrew from the agency it has decimated them financially. "It wouldn't surprise me if they were trying to use the fear to try to get the U.S. roped into the World Health Organization again." Bowden said.
President Trump has restricted travel expiring June 17th and could extended the ban if warranted. Reports say the D.R. Congo team will set up their base camp in Houston. The city will host the event for 21 days from June 14 to July 4, 2026.