A promising footballer has died after contracting a rare rodent virus. Matías Uribe Nova, 22, was volunteering to help people affected by a wildfire when he fell ill withhantavirus pulmonary syndrome.
The rare illness is carried by rodents and last year claimed the life of Betsy Arakawa,wife of Hollywood legend Gene Hackman. The amateurfootballerpresented with symptoms at a hospital inChilebefore his condition deteriorated quickly. After initially suffering gastrointestinal symptoms, fever and a headache, Matías underwent tests and an X-ray which revealed he had contracted hantavirus.
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After being admitted into emergency care, Matías’ condition deteriorated, with the young man going into cardiac arrest before he could be transferred to a larger hospital.
Despite the best efforts of medics, Matías could not be saved.
Matías’ football club Deportivo Juventud Iberia paid tribute to the player: “Matías never showed a bad expression, never got angry, had an enormous heart, and a light that seemed to come from somewhere special.
“He was truly remarkable, touched so many hearts, and today everyone realises how deeply he reached each and every one.
“When the wildfires broke out, he was clearly among the first to go and help – supporting those affected in his beloved club and even people he didn’t know.
“He went to help without asking for details, giving everything he had, truly everything, even to the ultimate extreme giving his life.
Source: Daily Express :: World Feed
