Scientific study refutes concerns over MERS-CoV transmission during FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar

Professor Adeel Butt, Senior Consultant in Infectious Diseases, Hamad Medical Corporation, referred to several opinion pieces that were published in scientific journals ahead of the World Cup. These articles suggested a potential risk of MERS-CoV transmission during the event, with concerns heightened due to a concurrent camel pageant, both held in Qatar. Professor Butt clarified these concerns were raised without any supporting scientific evidence.

The study’s results, based on surveillance and testing data from Qatar, were published in the Journal of Travel Medicine. This journal is ranked third in the field of infectious diseases, second in public, environmental and occupational health, and eighth in general and internal medicine.

According to Professor Butt, extensive preparations were made in Qatar to safeguard the health of visitors and residents. As part of the study, random respiratory samples were taken from 200 camel workers and 100 camels, with all testing negative for MERS-CoV. The research team also analysed all human MERS-CoV tests conducted in Qatar during 2022, including the period of the FIFA World Cup.

A total of 17,281 MERS-CoV tests were performed on 14,703 individuals in Qatar in 2022. Among these, 2,457 tests were conducted on 2,305 individuals in November and December 2022, the months during which the Qatar FIFA World Cup took place. These tests were conducted in line with the World Health Organization’s recommended testing and screening protocols. The study found that only two positive tests occurred in 2022, specifically in March and April, before any World Cup visitors arrived in Qatar. Importantly, no positive cases were detected during the World Cup, and no MERS-CoV cases related to travel to Qatar have been reported globally since the World Cup ended.

The public health measures implemented by Qatar prioritised the safety of all individuals present during the World Cup. This included residents, citizens and visitors.

Dr. Abdullatif Al Khal, Head of Infectious Diseases at Hamad Medical Corporation, stated that the monitoring mechanisms Qatar instituted before and during the Qatar FIFA World Cup were crucial in preventing disease transmission. This framework of monitoring can be used as a reference for future mass gathering events to ensure early detection and prevention of infectious disease outbreaks.

Professor Roberto Bertollini, Senior Advisor to the Minister of Public Health, concluded: “These data suggest that the risk of MERS-CoV transmission associated with mass gatherings is low and standard infection control precautions remain the main barrier to its transmission.” He also advised caution against publishing unsubstantiated reports related to infectious diseases in the future, as they can cause unnecessary worry and disrupt recovery processes, such as those currently underway following the COVID-19 pandemic.