AFCON 2023 champion Kouame hospitalised with malaria
Fiorentina have announced that Christian Kouame has contracted malaria while he was on duty for Ivory Coast at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations and has been admitted to hospital.
The 26-year-old Ivorian made four appearances during the tournament which the Elephants won for a third time by defeating Nigeria in the final.
Kouame felt unwell upon returning to Florence and had a high fewer on Tuesday. Medical tests on Wednesday morning revealed he tested positive for malaria and has since been admitted to hospital where he will be treated and further evaluated in the coning days.
“ACF Fiorentina announces that, following the onset of fever and general malaria on the night between February 20 and 21, Christian Kouame underwent a test this morning to evaluate a possible malaria infection, for which he tested positive,” read a statement on the club website.
“The player was hospitalised for appropriate treatment and will be re-evaluated in the next few days.”
Christian Kouame 👏🏻 💜#forzaviola #kouame pic.twitter.com/xpvvSMJbqc
— ACF Fiorentina (@acffiorentina) February 11, 2024
Kouame is the third player from AFCON 2023 to contract after the Mali duo of Moussa Diarra and Yves Bissouma.
Malaria is a deadly disease caused by a parasite from mosquitoes bites on humans.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), 593, 000 malaria-related deaths were recorded in 2021, accounting for 96% of deaths globally.
