New Rules to Play By: International Health Regulations and the 2016 Olympics

Abstract

Mass gatherings, such as the Olympics, bring together large concentrations of people from throughout the world. Some of these people may be from a particular risk group, such as those who have not received routine vaccinations or are immunocompromised. Such groups increase the chances of infectious diseases spreading in those who are susceptible. The International Health Regulations issued by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2005 and taking effect in 2007 aim at helping the international community prevent and respond to acute public health risks that have the potential to cross borders and threaten people worldwide. The Olympics is a convergence of temporarily relocated people from around the globe, which is the kind of mass gathering that lends itself to susceptibility of diseases that spread quickly in a short period of time. Because of this risk, should Brazil, as the host of 2016 Olympics and as a