Togo’s Match in Uganda at Risk Due to Marburg Virus Fears
Serious doubts are emerging about whether Togo will proceed with its scheduled Africa Cup of Nations 2015 qualifier in Kampala, Uganda, following an outbreak of the Marburg virus, a highly contagious and deadly hemorrhagic fever similar to Ebola.
🦠 What’s Happening in Uganda?
A 30-year-old hospital technician has died from the virus.
99 people who had contact with the victim are under close surveillance.
3 individuals showing symptoms are currently isolated and awaiting test results.
The situation has triggered public panic, prompting even President Yoweri Museveni to address the nation:
“If I don’t shake hands, please don’t think I’m rude… To control Ebola and Marburg, we must be open-minded.”
🧬 What Is Marburg?
It’s transmitted through contact with bodily fluids or tissues of infected people or animals (especially bats and monkeys).
Symptoms appear suddenly, often with headaches, weakness, and by days 5–7, severe hemorrhaging can develop.
Like Ebola, Marburg is one of the most virulent pathogens in humans.
⚽ What About the Match?
Togo’s football authorities now face a critical decision:
Travel to Uganda as scheduled, risking player and staff exposure.
Request relocation of the match (CAF has already relocated Guinea’s games for Ebola-related reasons).
Seek a postponement until the situation stabilizes.
⏳ What’s Next?
CAF (Confederation of African Football) is under pressure to respond swiftly, possibly by implementing the same health safety protocols used in other virus-hit countries.
A statement from Togo’s sports authorities is expected shortly to clarify their stance.
🔍 Bottom Line: With health at stake and precedent set by previous relocations, postponement or relocation appears likely—but no official decision has yet been announced. All eyes now turn to CAF and Togo’s Football Federation for the next move.
