Los Angeles health officials are urging people during the World Cup and the watch parties around it to practice good hygiene.
LA County Public Health's Dr. Barbara Ferrer said that people are here from all over the world, making prevention more important to avoid getting sick.
“You need to wash your hands with soap and water, she said. “Hand sanitizer is not going to work.”
Ferrer said she’s most concerned about communicable illnesses, or infections that spread from person to person through contact, like measles.
"The most important way to prevent measles is obviously to come fully vaccinated to these events,” she said. She is also concerned about heat-related illnesses.
Officials say to stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and wear lightweight clothing for anyone spending an extended period of time outdoors.
L.A. County Supervisor Holly Mitchell said it’s especially important to pay attention to changes in the behavior of kids during this weather.
“Recognize if there's any even slight change in behavior in your child, particularly young ones who may not be able to verbalize that they're feeling different,” she said.
Officials say they're not too concerned about hantavirus or Ebola because of safety protocols and screenings in place by the CDC.
Public health has more tips and resources from its Winning Starts with Staying Safe website.
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