What is camel flu? Can you die from it? These have become commonly asked questions as France stars and fans alike suffer from the virus ahead of the World Cup final.
The likes of Ibrahima Konate, Raphael Varane and Kingsley Coman are currently training alone as Didier Deschamps attempts to control the illness sweeping through his squad before Sunday’s clash with Argentina.
So, what is camel flu? And can you die from it? Let’s take a look…
What is camel flu? Can you die from it?
Well, camel flu – also known as Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) – was first identified in Saudi Arabia in 2012.
It is believed that humans can become infected by interacting with camels in several Member States in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 35% of reported MERS cases have died.
Camel flu symptoms
Typical symptoms of camel flu – or MERS – include fever, cough and shortness of breath.
Pneumonia is also a common symptom, although it does not occur in every case.
Gastrointestinal symptoms, including diarrhoea, have also been reported among MERS patients, according to the WHO.
Vomiting is another symptom of camel flu.
France national football team virus
A vast number of football fans will be returning to their respective homes after the World Cup, so a potential outbreak of camel flu could well occur this winter.
However, in regards to the France national football team, you may wonder how the virus even got into the camp.
The Guardian have speculated that air conditioning inside Qatari stadiums, media centres and training bases has caused the illness to spread, as recycled air passes around the players.
It remains to be seen if the likes of Coman, Konate and Varane can recover in time for Sunday’s World Cup final, although given the magnitude of the game, we’re sure they are doing everything possible to get better.
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