Mass gatherings like the Hajj, Super Bowl and the Olympics have the potential to amplify the spread of a pathogen. Special care must be taken for these types of events. We look at how sports were impacted by the 1918 H1N1 pandemic that claimed at least 50 million lives worldwide including 675,000 in the United States alone. The rise of massive stadiums in the 1920s reflect a population eager to get back to sporting events. How we come out of the current COVID-19 pandemic remains to be seen. But what we do know is that mass gatherings can become super spreader events, which makes it critical that we change behaviors and make them as safe as possible.

The Canadian government used persistent cleaning technology when that country hosted the Olympics. It addressed potential issues within the Olympic Village and on the train system to keep athletes and fans alike as safe as possible.

Innovating solutions for safe and healthy rail travel

A West Virginia study shows that influenza deaths increased 5 to 24 percent in those cities with at least one of the four major professional teams. Evidence suggests that extra care should be taken when large numbers of people gather.

More Flu Deaths Reported in US Cities with Pro Sports Teams

How sports survived, then thrived after the 1918 pandemic

How USC football was impacted by 1918 flu pandemic

Certainly, mass gatherings are not limited to sporting events. The Hajj is the largest gathering of humans on the planet. The Umrah is another religious gathering of mass proportions. It is time to start looking at this potential problem.

Umrah. An opportunity for mass gatherings health research

5 facts about the hajj

A robust infection control plan is critical for any mass gathering and the mini gatherings surrounding the events. Football parties and homes and sports bars should also think infection control.

Mass Gatherings and the Spread of Respiratory Infections. Lessons from the Hajj

Impact of Mass Gatherings on an Influenza Pandemic

The risk of indoor sports and culture events for the transmission of COVID-19

Transmission of respiratory tract infections at mass gathering events

Mass Gatherings, Health, and Well-Being: From Risk Mitigation to Health Promotion

Risk at mass-gathering events and the usefulness of complementary events during COVID-19 pandemic

Mass-gathering medicine

Success Is Something to Sneeze At: Influenza Mortality in Cities that Participate in the Super Bowl

Super Bowl study: Fan bases see more flu, flu-related deaths

Experts urge caution at Super Bowl gatherings during pandemic

Measles outbreak linked to Super Bowl

Flu Spikes in Cities Sending Teams to Super Bowl