Fears of a tuberculosis outbreak have rocked the eve of the fourth match of the Champions League group stage between Barcelona and Brugge. There are no confirmed or suspected cases among the Catalans, nor within the staff: none of the Blaugrana (whether players or club members) have shown symptoms. But the alarm was raised after a case was discovered among workers at the Camp Nou stadium reconstruction site. And that was enough to set in motion the protocol foreseen for such cases. The situation is all the more worrying as it occurred just a few days before the club is to organize an inaugural training session: a kind of dress rehearsal on the eve of the return to the stadium, whose capacity has been increased to 105,000 seats. The session will also be used for a technical and operational test, to ensure that the facility is finally ready to open to the public.
The risk of tuberculosis infection after the undeclared workers scandal
The works have once again come under the spotlight after the scandal of undeclared workers forced to work in inhumane conditions, but this time due to an investigation carried out by the Barcelona Public Health Agency: a member of the technical team has been diagnosed with the infectious disease and tracing of his close contacts has begun. A persistent cough, fever and a feeling of fatigue are signs consistent with the virus and have been confirmed by diagnostic tests. Of the 23 people contacted, three are still awaiting the results to verify whether or not they are infected. If the number of affected people increases (just two more cases are enough), measures will be implemented immediately to limit the outbreak and take all necessary precautions.
What is tuberculosis and how is it treated?
Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection that affects the lungs, but can also spread to other parts of the body, including the glands, bones and nervous system. It is transmitted through the respiratory tract: the virus is passed when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Treatment consists of a continuous and rigorous antibiotic therapy that lasts about six months.
Since 2023, Barcelona has moved to the Olympic stadium “Lluís Companys” in Montjuïc, where it has so far held La Liga and Cup matches (domestic and European). The work to redevelop the old “Camp Nou” has cost over a billion euros and, at least for the moment, there is still no exact date for the reopening of the facility. However, there is a possible date: November 22, when Barcelona will host Athletic Bilbao in the championship. / Fanpage
