The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) is offering a free hotline to assist physicians and other clinicians in Houston and Dallas-Fort Worth with the diagnosis and management of suspected infectious disease during FIFA World Cup events in mid-June.
The hotline phone number is (866) 213-3368 and is available 24 hours a day through July 31. This hotline is not for patients, members of the public, or routine illnesses not related to World Cup events, DSHS says.
Texas Medical Association members who specialize in infectious disease within the University of Texas Health system are participating as consulting physicians with the hotline.
Medical officials in Dallas, Houston, and Austin told Texas Medicine Today they are working together to monitor health-related issues throughout the World Cup. DSHS’ hotline is another tool for physicians as thousands are expected to travel to Texas during the tournament.
Callers can get support for concerns about viral hemorrhagic fever, such as Ebola, or any infectious diseases causing acute, severe illness like Middle East Respiratory Syndrome. Consulting physicians also can help with evaluating febrile patients who have recently traveled or have a suspected travel-related infection.
When calling the hotline, physicians should be prepared to give their name, title, and facility; the reason for consultation; and patient location and demographic information, according to DSHS. Detailed patient travel history with dates and locations is also key information along with any clinical presentation and relevant findings.
Referring physicians and other clinicians retain clinical responsibility for all patient care decisions and for promptly notifying public health entities.
For more information about TMA’s public health guidance, please see the
Infectious Diseases page online.
Last Updated On
June 03, 2026
Originally Published On
June 03, 2026