In recent weeks, public health officials have raised alarms over a resurgence of one of the world's most contagious diseases—measles—threatening to reach its highest levels in nearly 35 years. This warning comes as the World Cup kicks off in Mexico, the United States, and Canada, drawing millions of international visitors and fans. In response, Croatia’s Public Health Institute has issued guidelines urging travelers to ensure they are up-to-date with their vaccinations, particularly against diseases such as measles, which have been largely eradicated in the country.
Measles is known for being highly infectious, spreading easily when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. The virus can remain airborne for up to two hours after an infected person leaves a room. Symptoms typically appear between one and two weeks after exposure and include high fever, cough, runny nose, red and watery eyes, white spots inside the mouth, and eventually a rash that appears three to five days later. An infected person is contagious four days before and four days after the rash develops.
According to data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 93 percent of this year's cases have occurred among unvaccinated individuals or those whose vaccination status is unknown. More than half of the affected individuals are children aged five to 19. If gaps in vaccination rates continue, the future could become even more dire, according to Dr. Syra Madad, an epidemiologist who spoke to *The New York Post*. She warned that measles can lead to pneumonia, encephalitis, hospitalization, and death, especially among young children and those with compromised immune systems.
Dr. Madad emphasized that while the United States had previously eliminated measles, the disease could once again be brought under control through increased vaccination rates with the MMR vaccine, stronger monitoring systems, and swift responses to new outbreaks. She also noted that the upcoming World Cup would bring large numbers of visitors and fans from around the world, increasing the risk of exposure to diseases that have been eliminated in Croatia, including measles, polio, and diphtheria.
Meanwhile, another public health concern has emerged along the American coastline, where a dangerous bacterium known as *Vibrio vulnificus*, often referred to as the “flesh-eating bacteria,” has begun to spread. This bacterium was recently detected in the coastal waters of New York, prompting local authorities to issue warnings about the risks associated with swimming in these areas. Although infections are rare, they can quickly become life-threatening, especially for individuals with weakened immune systems. According to the CDC, approximately one in five infected individuals die, sometimes within 24 to 48 hours of symptom onset. Severe infections can result in tissue destruction and may require amputation in some cases.
Scientists warn that due to rising ocean temperatures, *Vibrio vulnificus* is increasingly appearing in northern regions of the United States, where it was once extremely rare. Cases have already been confirmed in Florida and Mississippi, with local health authorities issuing special advisories. Research conducted in New York found the bacterium primarily in brackish water environments such as Mecox Bay, Sagaponack Pond, and Georgica Pond. While popular beaches like Jones Beach, Fire Island, Robert Moses State Park, and Long Beach remain open, water quality continues to be monitored regularly.
At the same time, concerns have been raised regarding the impact of policy changes under the Trump administration on public health surveillance programs. Some scientists and former health officials argue that reductions in federal funding for disease tracking initiatives have made it harder to detect new outbreaks early. For instance, last year, states participating in the CDC’s FoodNet system were no longer required to report certain foodborne illnesses, including *Vibrio*. Although federal authorities claim alternative monitoring systems exist, experts caution that these changes could hinder early detection and tracking of disease trends.
Bill Marler, a lawyer specializing in food safety, expressed concern over these developments, stating, “If a tree falls in the forest and nobody hears it, did it really fall?” He argued that reducing oversight makes it difficult to connect the dots and respond effectively to emerging threats. Former CDC director Tom Frieden echoed similar sentiments, warning that removing protective measures necessary for defending against microbial threats undermines public health efforts. He criticized the administration’s decision to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO) and reduce international health programs funded by USAID, arguing that these actions weaken early warning systems for epidemics before they reach the United States.
*Vibrio vulnificus* naturally resides in warm coastal waters, particularly where saltwater and freshwater mix. Infection occurs when an open wound comes into contact with contaminated water or when raw or undercooked shellfish, especially oysters, are consumed. Symptoms include redness, swelling, severe pain, and skin changes, while more serious cases can lead to bloodstream infection, sepsis, and sudden drops in blood pressure. Individuals with liver disease, weakened immune systems, cancer, or HIV, as well as those undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, are at the greatest risk.
The CDC estimates that approximately 80,000 infections caused by *Vibrio* species occur annually in the United States, with *Vibrio vulnificus* being one of the most dangerous. As both measles and *Vibrio vulnificus* pose significant public health challenges, officials stress the importance of maintaining strong vaccination programs and robust disease surveillance systems to prevent further outbreaks and protect vulnerable populations. With major global events like the World Cup bringing increased travel and movement, the need for vigilance and preparedness has never been greater.
Croatia
