It was Tuesday, August 8, when isaac makwala He appeared in the stadium wearing the blue shirt that bore his national emblem and wireless headphones in his ears. Despite the adversity suffered and the discomfort, he was ready to compete. In the final stretch of the course, before entering the warm-up area, he was prevented from entering by two security guards who, after inspecting the accreditation pass hanging around his neck, sent directly to the office of the authorities. Although his health recovered, he was still in quarantine.

Dayot Upamecano, Adrien Rabiot and recently, king kingsley They are three of the sick for the “camel flu”, a disease identified for several decades and which currently affects hundreds of tourists, journalists and footballers who are in Qatar for the World Cup.

Rise in temperature, difficulty breathing and coughing are the main signs and symptoms of this disease, initially respiratory, which can also cause vomiting and diarrhea. The causative coronavirus is known as MERS-CoV (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Virus -MERS-) They call it camel flu precisely because it is transmitted by direct contact or through the secretions of the animal or, although it can then spread from one person to another.

This virus does not have a long history and several key changes in Arab society have facilitated its development. “Drivers of MERS-CoV emergence in Qatar” by Elmoubasher Farag et al, is an ideal text to understand the disease and its relationship with the country hosting the World Cup (https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4915/11/1/22) Changes involving camels and humans, the environment and the economy over the past 30 years.

“It’s flu season and in that sense we have to be careful. Temperatures have dropped in recent days. You have to take care of yourself at all times, but when it comes to the virus, the truth is that I’m not worried,” the French coach told him. Didier Deschamps daily Le Figaro. The situation became evident when two of the three patients missed the semi-finals against Morocco due to illness, and the team made up for it without any problems. France are already showing signs of improvement as they overcome goalkeeper absence Mike Maignanthe defender Presnel Kimpembethe means Paul Pogba, N’Golo Kante Yes Christophe Nkunku and his great figure Karim Benzema.

Canadians, Germans and botswana staying at the Tower Hotel in London in mid-2017 fell victim to a suspected norovirus outbreak. The English health service has quarantined all 30 athletes and all support staff. among them was isaac makwala, the main contender for the gold medal in the 400 meters. Also the German triple jumper Neele Eckhardt, who collapsed on the track in Monday’s encounter after finishing last.

“It’s bad. I’m heartbroken. Yesterday I was ready to compete. I worked hard“, said Makwala as he left the stadium. Given his aerial and publicized claim, they gave him the bizarre opportunity to qualify for the final in a race against time in absolute solitude the next day and he succeeded. to be below the allotted time Thursday, he ran the final with the others. He finished under applause… but in sixth place.

Football is a team game that gives you that edge. Rabiot and Upamecano were left out in the semi-finals but you will surely see them in the final. They are footballers, facing a unique event. Forget that they will do the impossible to playr.