While major sporting events bring people together, their sheer scale also raises public health concerns that require special vigilance. Santé publique France was asked to develop a risk map. Working with their international counterparts and partners, Santé publique France officials identified potential public health incidents that could occur—an essential first step toward effective surveillance. The risk map is based on a review of the scientific literature related to large gatherings, experience hosting other events such as the Armada de Rouen or Euro 2016, as well as health risks identified in France and internationally in 2024.

What are the health risks associated with large gatherings?

• The concentration of a large number of people in the same place at the same time.

• The establishment of temporary facilities for accommodation or mass catering.

• The exposure of a larger number of people to environmental risks in a given area.

• The introduction of diseases not typically found in the area.

• Population mobility and the diversity of languages or healthcare practices can complicate the implementation of prevention and control measures.

• The potential occurrence of malicious acts targeting the event.

• Increased demand for care could lead to overcrowding in facilities and potentially lengthen wait times for treatment.

• Certain medications in community pharmacies may experience periods of stock shortages due to higher demand.

What are the main risks identified?

• natural and environmental risks (heat waves, air or water pollution, floods, etc.);

• Infectious risks (arboviruses, foodborne outbreaks or other foodborne infections, measles, Legionnaires’ disease, and other respiratory diseases, etc.), as well as imported cases of highly contagious diseases or emerging diseases;

• technological risks (fire, explosion, etc.);

• social risks (drug overdoses, excessive alcohol consumption, etc.) or risks related to collective behavior (crowd movements, etc.);

• terrorist risks.