As the World Cup continues in the United States, experts are warning of the risks of heat-related illnesses for fans and workers at outdoor stadiums in host cities like Miami, Kansas City, and Philadelphia.
Heat-Related Illnesses a Concern
According to Dr. Fabian Arous, a sports medicine physician, open-air stadiums like those in Miami, Kansas City, and Philadelphia can expose fans to “very high heat” and “very high humidity.” Dr. Douglas Casa, a professor at the University of Connecticut, added that spectators and workers are at a higher risk of heat-related illnesses than the athletes themselves.
Players have access to medical teams, cooling breaks, and carefully monitored conditions, but many fans and workers may spend hours in the heat without the same relief. The last men’s FIFA World Cup in Qatar was held in November and December, with seven of the eight stadiums covered and temperature-controlled. However, this summer’s World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico will be held mostly in outdoor venues.
Local Health Officials Prepare
Local health officials are monitoring forecasts to determine when soaring temperatures could pose public health threats. Host cities are taking steps to mitigate the risks, including setting up medical areas and cooling stations for fans. Dr. Kathleen Faccio, an emergency medicine physician, said that her team is gearing up for the next several matches and will ensure they have IV fluids among the medical supplies on site.
Experts caution that heat exhaustion and heat stroke are serious concerns, with symptoms including headache, nausea, dizziness, heavy sweating, and elevated body temperature. Dr. Jonathan Bar, an emergency physician, added that there is a spectrum of heat-related illnesses that can have varying effects, from mild heat rash to severe heat stroke.
Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.
