When the sun is out after a long winter, every one loves it. But not the people of Canary Islands. Tourists there are being warned about the "unusually high risk" of UV rays this week. The Ministry of Health for this holiday destination has urged both, residents and visitors to take extra precautions and preventative measures to limit the impact of sun exposure over their body and skin.

The Ministry observed Aemet, Spain's national weather agency for the forecast which showed higher than normal UV or ultraviolet radiation levels in the region. It is in this backdrop that everyone in the region are requested to be extra careful when they are out in the sun. UV levels are set to reach 7, which is a 'high risk' in La Palma, El Hierro, La Gomera and Gran Canaria. Other regions like Tenerife, Fuerteventura and Lanzarote are expected to reach a level 6, which is also classed as 'high risk'.

UV Index Explained

As per the World Health Organization (WHO), a UV index is a measure of the level of UV radiation, which ranges from zero upward. The higher the UVI, the greater potential for damage to skin and eye and the less time it takes for harm to occur, notes WHO.

The range 1 to 2 represents a low risk, 2 to 5 is moderate, 6 to 7 is at high risk, 8 to 10 is at very high and anything over 11 is extremely risky for anyone to stay out.

UV radiation levels fluctuate throughout the day, with the highest values occurring during the four-hour period around solar noon. The reported UV Index (UVI) typically reflects this daily peak. Depending on geographic location and the use of daylight saving time, solar noon falls between 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. In some countries, sun protection advisories are issued when UV levels are expected to reach 3 or higher, as exposure at these levels increases the risk of skin damage, making protective measures essential.

What happens to you when you are out in sun for too long?

While sun bathing is good, being out in the sun when the UVI indicates a high or very high risk, may cause you health concerns. It can lead to sunburn, premature skin aging, incresed risk of skin cancer, eye damage and in severe cases, heat related disease.

Sunburn

It is one of the most common skin injury which happens when there is excess exposure to UV radiation from the sun. This happens when the UV radiation directly damages the DNA skin cells. These damaged cells die and shed, this is why people experience peeling after getting a sunburn.

Dehydration

This is also a common occurrence when your body loses too many fluids or electrolytes. It can also interfere with your normal body functions. You may feel dehydrated, especially when you are out in the sun, but not well hydrated. The most common symptoms are dizziness, fatigue and headache on hot days.

Hyponatremia

This is an electrolyte disorder in which your body experiences low sodium in blood. The symptoms could lead to nausea, confusion and even weakness. There are extreme cases when one may have seizures, slip into coma or die.

Heat Exhaustion

This is one of the most common consequence of being out under the hot sun. Dehydration with prolonged heat exposure can lead to heat exhaustion.

Heatstroke

When you are out under the sun and your body's core temperature cross 104°, heatstroke may occur. This is also known as sunstroke. As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it causes more than 600 deaths each year in the United States.

The World Cup is at the doorstep, and fans are excited to witness their favorite stars once again in their clash to get the golden trophy. It has been over 20 years since the World Cup returned to the US, though Canada and Mexico are also among the hosts. The fans are reaching America from all over the world. The players are also ready to make their mark on the largest scale of the sport.

Thus, it becomes crucial to keep the athletes fit and healthy. There is a huge team behind the scenes to treat and take care of your favorite stars, which requires strategy, planning, and most of all, accurate execution. On this backdrop comes a name that makes the difference known as the Pro Sports Doc, Riley J. Williams III, who is known to be an expert, and he will coordinate medical care during this demanding tournament.

The Pro Sports Doc, with his 20 years of experience, will be working and coordinating medical care in the New York / New Jersey area. In an interview with Muscle and Fitness, Riley J. Williams III put emphasis on players getting acclimatized and synchronizing their sleeping patterns with North America. He also mentioned creatine as a great health supplement. He also reveals that his team has readied the entire spectrum of possible medical issues that might occur while teams are in the market.

FIFA has also issued standard procedures to keep the players safe. Each Participating Member Association shall include at least one team medical doctor in its delegation, to be present in the technical area during all matches. It is a mandatory requirement that the team medical doctor of each Participating Member Association complete and successfully pass the “Concussion” and “Sudden Cardiac Arrest” modules of the FIFA Diploma in Football Medicine before the FIFA World Cup 26.

The team's medical doctor is responsible for the overall health of their team delegation and any clinical decision‑making in this regard, both on and off the field of play. Although the team doctors’ primary responsibility is to the players, their medical responsibility extends to all other members of the delegation. As such, all team doctors shall ensure that they have the appropriate registration and licence in their home country.

Each Participating Member Association shall ensure and confirm to FIFA that its players have undergone a cardiac screening, including personal and family history, clinical examination, and resting 12‑lead ECG, within the last 12 months and an echocardiography within the last 24 months before the start of the final competition of the FIFA World Cup 26. If specifically performed for the tournament, FIFA recommends that participating teams use the screening form developed by FIFA cardiology consultants.

More than 2,000 confirmed measles cases have been recorded in the United States so far this year, putting the country on track for its worst measles outbreak in decades.

The virus continues to spread in unvaccinated and under-vaccinated communities, including among infants who are too young to receive the vaccine, highlighting the growing impact of misinformation and declining vaccination rates.

Although measles was declared eliminated in the US in 2000 and past outbreaks were rapidly contained, vaccination coverage has fallen in recent years, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic, increasing the risk of larger and more difficult-to-control outbreaks.

Health Experts have argued that the situation has been worsened by vaccine skepticism promoted by President Donald Trump and Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Kennedy has repeatedly framed measles vaccination as a personal choice and has also promoted vitamin A as a treatment option during the outbreak, prompting a surge in public interest.

RFK Jr.'s Statements Surged Vitamin A For Measles

Also read: Heading to FIFA World Cup 2026? Here's How to Stay Safe From Measles, Heatstroke

A June 2026 study published in the JAMA Network claimed that internet searches combining "vitamin A" and "measles" increased by 44 per cent on February 26, 2025, and reached peak popularity on March 22, 2025.

The study, led by Boston Children’s Hospital and University of California, also found that searches for "cod liver oil" and measles peaked at 52.6 per cent on March 5, 2025, following government statements in February advocating vitamin A as a treatment.

Earlier in 2025, Kennedy also falsely claimed that the MMR vaccine—which protects against measles, mumps, and rubella—causes encephalitis, or brain swelling, while also saying it "does stop the spread of the disease."

Excessive Vitamin A Use Led To Poisonings

In April 2025, America's Poison Centers (APC) reported a rise in the use of alternative measles prevention methods and warned about the risks associated with excessive consumption of vitamin A and cod liver oil, People.com reported.

"For patients with measles, particularly hospitalized children, vitamin A supplementation is recommended to help reduce the risk of severe complications," APC said in a statement.

According to APC, symptoms of vitamin A toxicity can include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, headaches caused by increased intracranial pressure, bone pain, vision changes, and liver damage.

The organization reported 86 pediatric vitamin A exposure cases between January 1 and March 31, 2025—a 38.7 per cent increase compared with the same period in 2024. However, APC noted that there had been no increase in the severity of poisonings, with no major adverse effects reported in 2025.

Is Vitamin A Recommended for Measles?

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According to the Mayo Clinic, vitamin A supplementation is recommended for children with measles who are at increased risk of vitamin A deficiency. Research suggests that supplementation may help reduce the risk of death and severe complications from the disease.

However, health experts continue to stress that the MMR vaccine remains the most effective method of preventing measles.

"If someone is infected with measles, then vitamin A can help mitigate some of the longer-term sequelae, but it does not prevent measles in an unvaccinated person," infectious disease epidemiologist Catherine Troisi told Houston Public Media.

"Moderate doses of vitamin A can be useful in treatment, but the better choice is to prevent measles from happening in the first place through vaccination."

The much-awaited 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to begin tonight. The tournament will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico across 16 cities in the three countries.

The 39-day event kicks off in Mexico on Thursday amid ongoing health outbreaks such as measles, Ebola, and hantavirus.

More than 750,000 soccer fans are expected to travel from over 100 countries to witness 104 matches. The influx of visitors will crowd public transportation, restaurants, and other public spaces, increasing the risk of exposure to infectious diseases, heat-related illnesses, and injuries.

Ahead of the mass gatherings, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has issued new public health recommendations for travelers.

"The celebration happens both inside and outside the stadiums, but to fully enjoy it, it's important to take care of yourself and stay informed," PAHO said.

FIFA World Cup 2026: PAHO's Key Health Recommendations for Travelers

Keep Vaccinations Up to Date

Check your protection against measles, which is on the rise across the Americas.

Other recommended vaccines include:

• Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis)
• Influenza
• COVID-19
• Hepatitis A and B

Prepare Before Traveling

• Carry a basic health kit.
• Bring enough medication for the entire trip.
• Confirm health insurance coverage.
• Keep copies of passports, vaccination records, and insurance documents.

Also read: US Pushes Europe for Ebola Travel Curbs Ahead of FIFA World Cup: Which Countries Have Bans And Do They Work?

Stay Healthy During the Tournament

• Wash your hands frequently.
• Drink safe water.
• Eat properly cooked food.
• Ensure good ventilation in indoor spaces.

Protect Yourself From Heat

• Stay hydrated.
• Seek shade whenever possible.
• Avoid prolonged outdoor activity during the hottest hours of the day.

Stay Safe in Crowded Venues

• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Avoid heavily congested areas.
• Identify emergency exits when entering stadiums and fan zones.

Prevent Mosquito-Borne Diseases

• Use insect repellent.
• Wear protective clothing.
• Be aware of dengue, Zika, and chikungunya risks, particularly in some host cities in Mexico.

Practice Safe Sex

• Use condoms correctly to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections.

Limit Alcohol Consumption

• Alcohol can worsen dehydration and impair judgment, especially in crowded or hot environments.

Rely on Official Information

• Follow updates from health authorities and trusted sources.
• Be cautious of misinformation circulating during major events.

Seek Medical Care if Symptoms Develop

• Fever, rash, or breathing difficulties should be evaluated promptly.
• Inform healthcare providers about recent travel and attendance at World Cup events.

Monitor Your Health After Returning Home

• Some illnesses may appear days after exposure.
• Seek medical care if you develop fever, rash, or respiratory symptoms after your trip and inform healthcare providers about your recent travel history.

FIFA World Cup: US Experts To Monitor Wastewater

A public health team based in Washington, D.C., plans to monitor wastewater and internet activity to detect and track infectious diseases should they emerge in any of the US or Canadian cities hosting World Cup matches, players, and millions of spectators, Reuters reported.

Detecting disease-causing microorganisms in wastewater can provide an early warning of emerging outbreaks, giving health officials time to alert clinicians to watch for symptoms that might otherwise be misdiagnosed and to encourage the public to take preventive measures.

FIFA World Cup: Heat A Major Health Risk

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Beyond infectious diseases, heat is expected to be a major concern during the FIFA World Cup. Host cities such as Houston, Miami, Mexico City and Los Angeles can experience extreme temperatures in June and July, making it dangerous for fans standing outdoors in large crowds for extended periods.

Writing in Forbes, Jesse Pines, an integrative medicine physician at Eterna Integrative and a Clinical Professor at George Washington University (GW), explained that heat exhaustion occurs when the body overheats and loses vital fluids and salts through sweating.

"Warning signs include dizziness, a rapid but weak pulse and cool, clammy skin. Left untreated, it can escalate quickly into heat stroke — a life-threatening emergency that can kill or cause permanent brain damage. Core body temperature above 104 degrees F, confusion and cessation of sweating are the hallmarks," he said.

Pines noted that alcohol can significantly increase the risk of heat-related illness. To reduce the risk, he recommends eating a full meal before drinking, choosing water over alcoholic beverages and keeping electrolyte drinks on hand.

Who Is Most at Risk?

The expert said certain groups may face a higher risk during mass gatherings in summer heat, including:

• People aged 65 and older
• Individuals with chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, COPD or kidney disease
• People who are immunocompromised
• Pregnant fans